By Muhyideen Jimoh
President Bola Tinubu has approved a comprehensive reset of sports funding in Nigeria, directing economic management authorities to ensure adequate and timely financing from the 2026 fiscal year.
The president announced the policy in a message posted on his verified X handle, describing sports as one of Nigeria’s strongest national brands and an instrument for unity and international visibility.
He directed that annual budgetary allocations for sports infrastructure, programmes, events and international competitions be provided and released immediately after budget passage and assent.
Tinubu also ordered a review of allocations for sporting activities currently spread across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
He directed that such allocations be restructured and streamlined, with savings transferred into a unified funding framework under the National Sports Commission (NSC).
“In 2025, from individual champions in athletics and other sports, to our winning female football and basketball teams as well as the Super Eagles, scores of athletes representing Nigeria made our nation proud.
“Sports is one of our strongest brands as a nation. It unifies us, breaks all our fault lines, inspires belief, and builds a sense of community that cuts across age, language, ethnicity, religion, and social status.
“I have therefore approved and directed the relevant ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning and the Budget Office of the Federation for the resetting of sports funding.
”This is to ensure that henceforth as from the 2026 fiscal year, adequate provisions are made annually in the national budget.
“Nigerian athletes deserve certainty, not excuses,” he said.
The president said the reforms were anchored on the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which positions sports as a strategic driver of job creation, tourism development, private investment and Nigeria’s global influence.
“These reforms are anchored on the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy, RHINSE, which positions sports as a driver for job creation, tourism, investment, and global influence.
“Indeed, sports is our national asset and thus must be administered, managed, and funded in alignment with its special nature and demands, devoid of any bureaucratic bottlenecks,” he added.
Tinubu said his administration was building a functional sports ecosystem through scientific elite athlete development, expanded grassroots participation, revitalised federations and the hosting of major international events at home.
He recalled Nigeria’s sporting achievements in 2025, including successes recorded by athletes across various disciplines.
The president cited individual champions in athletics, the women’s football and basketball teams, and the Super Eagles, who won bronze at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
He also disclosed that Nigeria won a cumulative 373 medals across different sports in 2025.
According to him, the feat shows that when talent is supported with structure and preparation, athletes deliver on continental and global stages.
The President commended the NSC for its progress in spite of prevailing challenges.
He also praised the leadership of the commission under its Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, for driving reforms to reset, refocus and relaunch the sector.
Tinubu acknowledged longstanding challenges in sports administration, including bureaucratic delays, fragmented funding structures and late release of funds.
He said the shortcomings undermined athletes’ preparation and performance, and placed them at a disadvantage.
The President also decried inadequate investment in sports infrastructure that meets international benchmarks.
He assured Nigerians that the future of sports would be properly planned, adequately funded and globally competitive.
“Nigeria will continue to win, with pride,” Tinubu said.
(NAN)