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FG set to implement National Sports Industry Policy

Published

3 years ago

November 5, 2022

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has said that it will leverage on the forthcoming 21st National Sports Festival tagged “Delta 2022” to commence the implementation of the National Sports Industry Policy recently approved by the Federal Executive Council for the administration of sports in the country.

In a statement Signed by Ministry”s Director, Press and Public Relations Mohammed Manga on Friday, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare disclosed that the Government House Asaba, Delta State during the Joint Technical Meeting shortly after the inspection of sporting facilities in preparation for the Games.

According to him “the Policy outlines an effective means of improving the funding of sports, delineating the obligations of the different tiers of government, the participation of the private sector and other stakeholders in sports.”

He explained that the thrust areas of the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) includes federations and athletes’ development, education, health, capacity development and training, inclusivity and social development in the community, provision of facilities and infrastructure, economic development, legislative environment and international relations.

Others, the Minister added are, funding, finance and investment for sports and the digital economy.

Dare stated further that the Federal Government has reclassified sports as business, and not mere recreation, to birth the vision of the Policy in ensuring that sports play a prominent role as an instrument of national unity, cohesion; promoting health and fitness through mass participation; and contributing to economic development and global recognition.

He stated that through the Policy, there will be full operationalisation and enforcement of the Sports Code of Governance as well as providing the opportunity for boosting businesses in the country through their involvement in the manufacturing of various sporting kits and other essential needs of the athletes, coaches and other participants.

Dare commended the Delta State Government for its unwavering commitment to the completion of sporting facilities, noting that, “with these facilities on ground, we are set to give the 2022 edition of the National Sports Festival, a continental flavour”

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee, (LOC) and Secretary to the Government of Delta State, Chief Patrick Uka stated that the new structures being put in place is aimed at providing facilities that conform with international best standards, taking into cognisance the rules governing the Games.

While assuring that all the on-going work will be completed before the commencement of the competition, Chief Uka thanked the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration for granting the State the hosting rights for the Festival.

Also in his remarks, the Secretary, Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Director, National Sports Festival & Para Sports, Mr Peter Nelson informed the meeting that in preparation for the 2022 edition, President Muhammadu Buhari had flagged off the Torch of Unity signifying the commencement of the 21st National Sports Festival, amongst other activities performed by the MOC..

The President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), in his own remarks, applauded the Delta State Government for the State-of-the-art facilities being put in place for the 2022 edition of the Festival.

He called on other States of the Federation to take a cue from Delta State by showing more commitment to the development of sporting facilities in their States.

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Featured

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

Published

6 days 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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