Sports
₦203bn Allocation: House Sports Committee Backs Tinubu’s 92% Budget Increase for 2026
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The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for proposing ₦203.6 billion for the sports sector in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing it as a strong demonstration of the administration’s commitment to national development through sports.
According to the Gusau/Tsafe Federal constituency representative, the proposed allocation represents a 92.6 percent increase from the ₦105.7 billion approved for the sector in the 2025 Appropriation Act. He said the significant increment underscores the Federal Government’s recognition of sports as a vital instrument for youth empowerment, national unity and international representation.
Amadu also lauded President Tinubu’s approval of first-line charge funding for the sports sector, a move expected to guarantee the prompt release of funds immediately after the passage of the budget. He noted that early funding would allow sporting bodies to prepare adequately for competitions and eliminate the recurring challenges of delayed financing.
The Committee Chairman expressed optimism that the increased allocation would address long-standing issues in the sector, including deteriorating sports infrastructure — particularly the National Stadia — unpaid bonuses to athletes and officials, inadequate funding for over 40 sports federations, and the absence of sustainable development frameworks and skilled manpower.
Reflecting on recent progress, Amadu described 2025 as a turning point for Nigerian sports. He highlighted the unprecedented achievement of 373 medals won by Nigerian athletes across international competitions — the highest tally in the country’s history.
He also pointed to reforms that repositioned the National Institute of Sports, restored full anti-doping compliance and strengthened the integrity of Nigeria’s sporting system. Other milestones included the revitalisation of school sports to enhance grassroots talent discovery and the introduction of direct grants to athletes to support training and preparation.
“These milestones have restored hope, confidence and pride in our sports sector,” Amadu stated.
The Committee Chairman reaffirmed the constitutional oversight responsibilities of the House Committee on Sports, noting that the agencies under its supervision had been invited to account for the implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act ahead of consideration of the 2026 budget proposals.
He explained that the budget defence exercise aligns with Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower the National Assembly to conduct investigations and ensure accountability in the management of public funds.
Amadu assured stakeholders that the committee would intensify its oversight functions to guarantee transparency, accountability and value for money in the utilisation of the proposed 2026 allocation.
“As we consider the 2026 Appropriation Bill, we remain committed to ensuring that these increased resources are effectively utilised to develop infrastructure, support athletes and sustain grassroots sports development,” he said.
He added that the committee would pursue constructive engagement with all relevant agencies to ensure that every kobo allocated to the sector translates into measurable impact for Nigerian sports and the nation at large.
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.
Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.
The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.
“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.
“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”
Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.
He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.
Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.
“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.
He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.
On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.
Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.
“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”
“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.
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