Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission (NSC) is partnering with the Defence  Industries  Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Gray Insignia Nigeria  Limited to upgrade, build, and  manage the Nigeria  Shooting Federation to international standards,  Which will provide a training range for our athletes  to enhance their  performance  to world standard.

This took place on Wednesday, 4th February, 2026, at the Shooting Complex at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Builder Mohammed Rabiu, who represented NSC Leadership, said that the facility, previously  neglected, would be soon  transformed to international standards thanks to the efforts of former President of Nigeria Shooting Federation Gen. Adeoye.

“We say that man proposes, God disposes. This is part of the effects of his input that brought us to where we are now,” said Builder Mohammed, praising the initiative.

The National Sports Commission  (NSC) is now focused on economic growth,  leveraging private sector partnerships to drive development. ” The government has included us amongst those generating revenue, rather than being a social agency,” Builder Rabiu stated.

To this end, now, the Commission  is collecting gate fees and leasing areas and hopes the upgraded facility would attract international events, which will generate revenue’s for the club, federation, and the government. 

” We must encourage our partners to achieve this so others will be inspired to invest,”  builder Rabiu added, emphasising  the importance of responsible  facility’s usage.

Therefore, the Federation is urged to provide a list of athletes  and officials who will use the facility for training and events in due time , ensuring  efficient management, and maximising benefits for all stakeholders.

The former President of the Nigeria Shooting Federation,  Gen. Lonsdale Oladeji Adeoye Rtd. A stakeholder, and also part of the developers, has expressed  optimism about the upgraded shooting range. Saying it is a step towards making Nigeria  a hub for sports in Africa.

“We have the capacity to grow more than this,” he said, noting that the facility was initially built incomplete. He recalled  a design approved by the  International Shooting Committee (ISC) when Egypt built its range, now one of the best globally.

“We can’t argue with them, but I know God will help us get to that stage soonest,” Gen. Adeoye said, praising  President Tinubu’s ” renewed hope” agenda.

He is heartened by the calibre of people involved  and assured cooperation  from the new shooting sports executives. 

Gen. Lonsdale went ahead to intimate that the Federation aims to work with private partners, develop local coaches,  and manage the facility efficiently. “We do not dream mediocrity,” he said, highlighting 33 developed coaches and gate C coaches – a rare feat he enthused.

” The World Body for Shooting Sports is interested in Nigeria’s progress, making this a “golden opportunity” to get things right. 

Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DICON GRAY INSIGNIA NIGERIA LIMITED, who is also the Managing Director (MD) Mr. Bem – Ibrahim Garba stated that since 2012,  they have been under divine preparation. “Our journey has included designing shooting ranges and developing  various projects. However, our aspiration to contribute to shooting sports had not materialised until now. “

He said that shooting sports holds significant importance for us as a people,  a nation,  a continent, and on a global  scale. Nigeria  has the potential  to make a notable impart on the international stage in this sport, but achieving that requires proper infrastructure. 

While developing  such infrastructure is costly, we are committed, and by God’s  grace, we will establish  a state of the art facility that enables our athletes  sport shooters, recreational shooters and members of the military and law enforcement to train at a competitive level with their peers worldwide.

Mr. Garba emphasised, “we will not hold back on expenses.  We assure the management of NSC and all stakeholders that this partnership  will be exemplary and a model for others to emulate.

Furthermore, we are dedicated to collaborating closely with the Federation’s aspirations, dreams, and vision, and we will provide the necessary  support to ensure that Nigeria starts winning significant medals in shooting sports. “

The documents MoU were signed and handed over to the company by Leadership, thanking  the company for partnering with the Commission to upgrade and manage the federation’s shooting range that will provide a training  range for our athletes  to enhance their performances in international  standard, and at the same time, the facility will also generate  funds for the federal government and the company as well.

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