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The Need To Retain Three-Term Tenure for Sports Federation Presidents

Published

7 months ago

February 27, 2025

The debate over tenure limits for Presidents of Sports Federations in Nigeria has resurfaced, with some pushing for a reduction from the current three-term limit—set by the 2021 election guidelines—to just two terms.

While the call for reform may seem progressive on the surface, a deeper look reveals that maintaining the three-term structure is crucial for Nigeria’s long-term aspirations in global sports governance.

Experience and Influence Take Time
Leadership in international sports is not built overnight. Nigerian sports administrators require time to develop credibility, cultivate relationships, and gain the necessary influence to secure leadership positions at continental and global levels.

Two terms—typically spanning just eight years—are often insufficient for a federation president to make a significant mark beyond national borders. By the time they establish their presence and recognition within the African and international sports community, their tenure is nearly over, severely limiting their chances of ascending to influential global roles.

It is telling that only one Nigerian currently holds a continental sports presidency. While he is not a sitting federation president, his case is an exception rather than the norm. Strong-performing presidents, given adequate time, stand a far better chance of rising through the ranks and representing Nigeria on the global stage.

A Dubious Push for Change
Ironically, some of the loudest voices advocating for a two-term limit are individuals who previously held federation leadership positions for over 20 years. Their sudden shift in stance raises questions about the sincerity of their motives. If long tenures were beneficial during their time in office, why is it now a problem for others? This contradiction exposes a lack of moral justification for the push to shorten tenure limits.

Rather than restricting tenure, the focus should be on strengthening Nigeria’s sports electoral system. A well-structured process would ensure that non-performing presidents can be voted out, even after a single term, while high-achieving leaders are allowed to continue their impactful work.

Arbitrary tenure restrictions only serve to stifle progress and disrupt the continuity needed for meaningful international advancement.
The Risk of Weakening Nigeria’s Global Influence
Reducing the tenure limit would not only disrupt federation stability but also weaken Nigeria’s influence in world sports.

Many high-performing presidents would be cut off just as they begin to build strong international networks and gain recognition for leadership roles. This approach plays into the hands of competing nations that allow their sports administrators to rise through the ranks over extended periods, accumulating power and decision-making leverage on the world stage.

If Nigeria is serious about increasing its presence in global sports governance, we must empower our best leaders with the time and platform to compete effectively. A premature exit due to tenure restrictions only benefits our rivals while diminishing Nigeria’s standing in international sports politics.

The Way Forward: A Balanced Approach
While tenure limits should not be indefinite, a well-structured system must balance continuity with accountability. Federations with approved constitutions outlining tenure limits—whether two or three terms—should adhere strictly to their constitutional provisions. However, for federations without approved constitutions, the Ministry of Sports’ existing guideline of a three-term maximum should be upheld.

This approach ensures fairness while safeguarding Nigeria’s broader interests in global sports. Instead of imposing restrictive policies that undermine our potential, we should focus on building a transparent and effective electoral system that rewards performance, promotes stability, and secures Nigeria’s place in the corridors of international sports leadership.

Retaining the three-term tenure limit is not just about individual officeholders—it is about Nigeria’s future in global sports governance.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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