By Joel Ajayi

The Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation (NSSF) has unveiled a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at transforming the sport into a globally competitive discipline capable of delivering Olympic medals for Nigeria.

Speaking with journalists, NSSF President, Commodore Shettima Mohammed Shagir, said the federation’s new strategic direction is built on strengthened security partnerships, digital registration, athlete integrity screening and aggressive corporate sponsorship to reposition shooting sports nationwide.

According to Shagir, one of the federation’s landmark achievements since he assumed office has been forging strategic relationships with key government institutions responsible for firearms regulation and national security.

He disclosed that the federation has engaged the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to secure formal recognition as one of the authorised institutions permitted to manage sporting firearms in Nigeria.

“Before now, many of these institutions were not fully aware of the federation’s activities. We have taken deliberate steps to establish that institutional identity,” he said.

As part of efforts to strengthen governance and credibility, the federation president revealed that the Inspector-General of Police has accepted to serve as the Grand Patron of the federation and will collaborate on firearm licensing as well as character assessments for registered members.

Shagir further disclosed that the federation has secured the support of the nation’s armed forces. He noted that the Chief of Naval Staff has already overseen the successful staging of the Nigerian Navy’s maiden Small Arms Shooting Sports Competition as part of the service’s anniversary celebrations.

He added that the Chief of Army Staff has approved the establishment of a Nigerian Army Shooting Sports Team, while the Nigerian Air Force has also embraced the initiative, creating a unified military platform for the development of shooting sports.

According to him, the collaboration among the Army, Navy and Air Force will provide regular competitions, expand the talent pool and promote stronger synergy between military personnel and civilian athletes.

To reinforce safety and public confidence, the federation is also introducing stringent screening procedures for prospective members.

Shagir disclosed that consultant psychiatrists have been engaged to conduct mandatory mental health evaluations for intending participants before admission into the federation.

In addition, the NSSF is in discussions with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to integrate digital identity verification into its online registration system.

Under the proposed framework, intending members will register digitally, undergo police character assessments, obtain medical fitness certification and have their firearm details captured in a central database before being licensed to participate.

He explained that the reforms are designed to ensure transparency, accountability and responsible ownership of sporting firearms while preventing misuse.

Only legally approved sporting firearms—including the 12-gauge shotgun, .22 calibre rifle and air rifle—will be recognised under the federation’s regulatory framework.

Looking ahead, Shagir said the federation’s long-term objective is to move Nigeria beyond mere Olympic participation to genuine medal contention.

“Our target is to ensure that Nigeria is represented at the Olympics as a nation capable of winning medals, not just making up the numbers,” he stated.

On funding, the NSSF president commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), particularly Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, for encouraging sports federations to pursue sustainable private-sector partnerships.

He also praised the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, for supporting reforms aimed at strengthening sports administration in the country.

According to Shagir, the NSC’s recommendation that every sports federation appoint a Chief Operating Officer dedicated to sponsorship and corporate engagement will significantly enhance funding opportunities.

He noted that while corporate organisations seek visibility through sports, federations require sustainable financial support, making sponsorship a mutually beneficial partnership.

The federation president revealed that discussions are already at an advanced stage with one of the world’s leading sporting firearms manufacturers, which has agreed in principle to become a major sponsor of the NSSF.

Although he declined to disclose the company’s identity pending the completion of formal agreements, he described the proposed partnership as a major breakthrough that will accelerate the federation’s growth.

He added that negotiations are also ongoing with several other corporate organisations as the federation intensifies efforts to build a sustainable structure capable of making shooting one of Nigeria’s leading medal-winning sports on the international stage.

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