The National Sports Commission (NSC), under the leadership of Chairman Shehu Dikko, has embarked on an ambitious mission to revitalize Nigeria’s sporting infrastructure, beginning with the iconic National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos. This once-proud symbol of national sporting prowess has fallen into disrepair over decades of neglect, a situation Dikko laments as a tragic waste of its potential as a multi-faceted sporting, entertainment, and commercial hub. The NSC’s plan hinges on attracting private sector investment through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and concession agreements, breathing new life into the stadium and transforming it into a modern, vibrant venue. This revitalization effort extends beyond Lagos, encompassing other national stadia in Kaduna, Bauchi, Ibadan, and Enugu, all of which are slated for rehabilitation. The overarching goal is to create a network of world-class sporting facilities across the country, capable of hosting international competitions, nurturing local talent, and generating economic activity.
Dikko’s recent unscheduled visit to the National Stadium underscores the NSC’s commitment to this revitalization project. He acknowledged the previous efforts of philanthropist Chief Kessington Adebutu, who, under the “adopt a facility” initiative of former Sports Minister Sunday Dare, contributed to the restoration of the stadium’s pitch, tracks, and scoreboard. Building upon this foundation, the NSC aims to secure further investment to develop the surrounding land, envisioning a comprehensive “sports city” within the complex. This ambitious undertaking is aligned with the broader Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritizes sports as a key driver of economic growth and job creation. The NSC is confident that through strategic PPPs and concessions, they can unlock the untapped potential of these national assets, restoring them to their former glory and creating new opportunities for the sporting community and the nation as a whole.
The revitalization of the National Stadium and other sporting facilities forms a crucial component of the NSC’s broader strategy, dubbed the Renewed Hope for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) program. This program seeks to reposition sports as a vital pillar of the Nigerian economy, targeting the creation of approximately three million direct, indirect, and induced jobs, and contributing an estimated three percent to the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This ambitious goal necessitates a comprehensive overhaul of the sports sector framework, including the restructuring of the NSC itself and the enhancement of its Establishing Act to align with international best practices. This institutional repositioning will provide the foundation for sustainable growth and development within the sports sector, enabling it to effectively contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity.
A significant boost to the NSC’s plans came in the form of a substantial increase in the sports sector’s budget allocation. President Tinubu approved a remarkable 227 percent increase, raising the budget from N29 billion in 2024 to over N94 billion in 2025. This substantial injection of funds will provide the necessary resources to implement the NSC’s ambitious plans, including the upgrade of various existing stadia and the construction of 100 mini-stadiums nationwide. These mini-stadiums will play a crucial role in fostering grassroots sports development, providing access to quality facilities for aspiring athletes across the country. The increased budget allocation demonstrates the government’s commitment to investing in sports as a catalyst for economic growth and social development.
Dikko outlined these ambitious plans during a budget defense session at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. He emphasized the NSC’s commitment to judicious utilization of the allocated funds, ensuring transparency and accountability in all its operations. The planned upgrades and new constructions will address the long-standing challenges of decaying infrastructure and inadequate funding that have hampered the development of sports in Nigeria. The NSC’s vision extends beyond simply repairing existing facilities; it envisions a comprehensive transformation of the sporting landscape, creating a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem that supports athletes at all levels, from grassroots to elite competition. This holistic approach aims to create a positive ripple effect throughout the economy, generating jobs, boosting tourism, and fostering national pride.
The House Committee on Sports, chaired by Kabiru Amadu, has expressed strong support for the NSC’s plans, urging them to ensure the prudent and effective use of the allocated funds. Amadu highlighted the significance of the increased budget, emphasizing its potential to address the numerous challenges facing the sports sector, including the dilapidated state of many sporting facilities and the insufficient funding available to over 40 sports federations. The committee’s endorsement reinforces the importance of collaboration between the legislative and executive branches in achieving the shared goal of transforming the Nigerian sports sector. The increased budget, coupled with the NSC’s strategic plans and the support of the National Assembly, signals a new era for Nigerian sports, with the potential to unlock its vast untapped potential and propel the nation to greater heights on the global sporting stage.
