Sports

National Sports Industry Policy: Sports, Finance Ministers Constitute Technical Committee on Implementation

Published

4 years ago

March 7, 2023

The Sports and Youth Development Minister, Sunday Dare and the Minister of Finance Zainab Ahmed
have constituted the Technical Committee to work on the specifics of the incentives package approved in the National Sports Industry Policy passed by the Federal Executive Council on November 2, 2022.

The Committee will be chaired by both Ministers and will have representations from the following ministries and agencies;

i. Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.

ii. Federal Ministry of Finance.

iii. Central Bank of Nigeria.

iv. Federal Inland Revenue Service.

v. Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry.

vi. Customs.

The Technical Committee is expected to work out the fine details of the fiscal incentives outlined in the policy, which emphasizes ‘Sports as business’, and also prepare grounds for more private sector participation in the sports sector.

The approval to apply the Renovate Operate Transfer(ROT), Build Operate and Transfer(BOT), Integrated National Financial Framework(INFF), Nigeria Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan(NIIMP) or any other innovative PPP financing model for the provision, rehabilitation of sports facilities in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning is also a novel aspect of the policy.

The incentives as outlined are :
A) Tax exemption and rebate for a period of 5 years for investors in the value chain of sports.

B) Land provision and waiver for certain fees on lands meant for sports.

C) Single digit loan interest rates for corporate organisations and private individuals investing in the sports value chain.

D) Independent Government Grant through the establishment of an Independent Athletes Welfare Fund(AWF)from which athletes representing the country can draw support for education and trainings.

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Sports

Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation

Published

1 day ago

November 8, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to claim Nigeria’s first title in the competition and make history as the first African nation to win the tournament.

Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage two minutes after the restart. Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure a memorable victory.

In a congratulatory message was signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze on Sunday in Abuja, Musawa described the achievement as a defining moment for Nigeria and a significant milestone for African women’s football, attributing the success to the team’s resilience, talent and determination.

“This is more than a trophy. It is a story of young Nigerian girls who refused to give up, who rose after defeat, and who carried the hopes of a continent to the top of the world,” she said.

The Minister noted that the Flamingos had broken new ground by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria also became the first African country to win both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup titles.

The team further achieved another remarkable feat by becoming the first side in the competition’s history to lose its opening match and eventually emerge champions.

Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group-stage encounter, the Flamingos recovered impressively, recording six consecutive victories to lift the trophy.

Musawa particularly praised Umejiaku, who claimed the tournament’s Golden Ball award as the best player, and Bashiru for their crucial contributions in the final.

She also commended the entire squad for their discipline, teamwork and determination throughout the competition.

According to her, the victory demonstrates the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths on the global stage.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to celebrating and promoting the achievements and inspiring stories of young Nigerians who continue to bring honour to the country.

“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she added.

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