In a historic shift for Nigerian sports, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed unwavering support for early preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and other critical global competitions. This groundbreaking move was unveiled by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, during the virtual Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) on Thursday.
In his address, Dikko outlined a comprehensive strategy to revamp Nigeria’s approach to international sports. At the core of this initiative is a commitment to ending the culture of last-minute preparations for major events.
“In addition to other sporting activities, we have created a dedicated budget line in the 2025 fiscal plan for the 2028 Olympics preparations. This is not a one-off but a sustainable, yearly process tied to domestic sports development,” Dikko declared.
He further revealed that a similar budgetary provision has been made for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, ensuring that Nigeria remains competitive on the global stage. “For the first time, we have allocated funds in the service-wide votes for international competitions we have not yet qualified for. This will reduce reliance on emergency intervention funds and guarantee timely readiness,” he added.
Recognizing the importance of nurturing talent, the Commission has prioritized grassroots sports development. A dedicated budget line has been established for talent identification, alongside the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development by President Tinubu.
“This is a deliberate move to ensure a steady pipeline of talent for global competitions. Mr. President’s support highlights his commitment to grassroots development as a pillar of national sports,” Dikko emphasized.
Dikko underscored the Commission’s focus on transforming Nigeria’s sports industry into a robust economic sector. “We have resolved to shift from a competition-driven approach to a development-driven strategy, creating structures that facilitate sustainable growth,” he explained.
The NSC’s strategy is anchored on the “Three Rs”:
- Resetting the nation’s mindset on sports.
- Refocusing on long-term development.
- Relaunching the sports industry to attract private investment.
With unprecedented support from President Tinubu, the 2025 budget proposal includes deliberate projects to jumpstart this transformation.
In a landmark decision, President Tinubu approved funding for the construction of a permanent NOC secretariat in Abuja, aligning with global best practices. “By the end of the 2025 fiscal year, the NOC will have a permanent headquarters, a testament to Mr. President’s commitment to sports as a national asset,” Dikko announced.
The assembly also highlighted strong international support for Nigeria’s Olympic ambitions. Mustapha Berraf, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), lauded the country’s sports leadership and announced an increase in athlete scholarships for the 2028 Olympics.
“Fifteen top-ranking Nigerian athletes will receive scholarships to encourage their preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics. ANOCA stands ready to provide all necessary support,” Berraf assured.
Engr. Habu Gumel, President of the NOC, commended the government’s innovative approach to sports administration and expressed optimism for the future. “The return of the NSC under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and DG Bukola Olopade marks a new era for Nigerian sports. We are solidly behind you in your plans to transform the sector,” Gumel stated.
He listed upcoming events, including the Islamic Solidarity Games (2025), ANOCA Youth Games (2025/26), Youth Olympic Games (2025), Commonwealth Games (2026), All-African Games (2027), and the Los Angeles Olympics (2028), as pivotal opportunities for Nigeria to reclaim its place in global sports.
As the assembly concluded with a standing ovation for the NSC leadership, it was clear that a new chapter in Nigerian sports is underway. With visionary leadership, strategic planning, and President Tinubu’s unwavering support, the nation is poised to achieve unprecedented success in global competitions, heralding a brighter future for Nigerian athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.
