The National Sports Commission’s (NSC) chairperson, Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed his want for a strong legal framework to govern sports in Nigeria.
According to him, this has become essential since the industry need a strong legal framework that reflects the modern aspect of sports growth, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has envisioned.
Dikko met with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) on Tuesday to discuss several strategic areas critical to the country’s sports future, including the drafting and enacting of legislation to formalize the sports economy and ensure clear policies for governance, regulation, and investment.
In accordance with the NOC, “the framework is expected to attract private sector participation, enhance transparency, and define roles for stakeholders, creating a well-structured and thriving industry.”
Dikko and the NOC also emphasized the importance of having world-class sports facilities throughout the country, stating that investment in contemporary infrastructure, including training centres, stadiums, and community sports hubs, is a top priority.
“These facilities will serve as nurturing grounds for athletes and as hubs for hosting international competitions, which will increase tourism and a sense of national pride.”
As the conference examined strategies for obtaining steady financial support for athletes, such as sponsorships and public-private partnerships, funding for athletes was another crucial topic of discussion.
Dikko stated that the objective was to guarantee that athletes had access to high-quality training, healthcare, and competitive opportunities so they could concentrate on becoming the best at their respective sports.
The chairman of the NSC went on to say that experience in international tournaments, logistical planning, and timely training camps are critical. This proactive strategy aims to improve Nigeria’s performance on the international scene and steer clear of the last-minute scramble that has previously impeded success.
To accomplish these objectives, Dikko reiterated the NSC’s dedication to collaborating closely with the NOC and other stakeholders. He underlined that cooperation is essential to the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed reforms.
The meeting’s stakeholders came to the conclusion that these talks would pave the way for revolutionary advancements that would help athletes and the sports sector as a whole.