Sports

FG Inaugurates National Sports As Business Policy Technical Committee

Published

2 years ago

March 28, 2023

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10 man National Sports as Business Policy Technical Committee to draw up the details of the incentives that will be in the National Sports as Business Policy.

While inaugurating the Committee in his Office on Tuesday in Abuja , the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare stated that the first ever National Sports Industry Policy approved by the President in Council in November 2, 2022, is aimed at moving Sports in Nigeria from recreation to Business.

The Committee which is to be coordinated by the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed was charged with the responsibility of working out the modalities for the successful transition of Sports from recreation to Business in the country.

According to him, “For over 3 years now, the Ministry has been at work reviewing past sports policies and also dealing with the weaknesses therein. The major weakness was that Sports was just categorized as recreation and service, it was not a business and therefore placed financial burden on the Federal government”.

He stated further that the Ministry has in line with global practice decided to look at Sports as Business to enable the Industry also contribute to the Gross Domestic Product of the nation.

“Looking at about 10 countries that dominate the world of global sports, the Ministry decided to look at Sports as Business, which if handled appropriately, can among others, contribute to the annual GDP of the country, provide employment for about 2 to 5 million youth, grants, other necessary supports as well as scholarships for athletes”, he stressed.

Dare who explained that investment, incentives and infrastructure are the three things that drive Sports as business, funded both by government and private sector, added that the policy is in line with the orientation of government which under the current National Development Plan 2021 to 2025 is based on 70% of funds from the private sector and 30% from government with rebate on tax.

Earlier in his Opening remarks, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar called on private individuals as well as stakeholders to key into the new policy with a view to taking sports to greater heights.

While commending the laudable innovations of the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, Alh. Ismaila Abubakar thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for granting approval to the Policy and called on the Committee to put in their best towards the success of the Policy.

Responding on behalf of the Committee, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Dr Ladan Haruna assured that the Committee will bring their wealth of experience to bear in ensuring the success of the Policy.

He commended the Honourable Minister, Mr Sunday Dare for the initiative, adding that if properly harnessed, it will boost the sports industry, thus impacting positively on every sector of the economy.

Members of the Technical Committee are: Dr Ladan Haruna, Mrs Chinedu Louisa Okeke, Dominic Akuboh, Mrs Tabitha Dagyol, and Dr Ikenna Nwosu. Others are, Amaechi Akawo, Bamiduro Olumide, Chasing Madumumere, Rep. of CBN, as well as Rep of Customs and Excise.

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Sports

Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches

Published

7 hours ago

March 19, 2025

The Gleamer

…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy

By Joel Ajayi

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.

“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.

He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.

Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.

Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.

“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.

“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.

The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.

In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.

Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.

The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.

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