By Samuel Ahmadu

In a strategic move to reposition Nigeria’s sports sector, the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) held a joint meeting last week to unveil plans focused on infrastructure development, investor engagement, and enhanced preparations for global sporting events.

The meeting, held at the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) office in Abuja, brought together key sports stakeholders, including representatives from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Nigeria Aquatics Federation, and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria.

NOC President Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel announced that construction of a permanent NOC headquarters is underway and targeted for completion by 2027.

“If everything goes well, the headquarters building should be completed within two years. We're optimistic about delivering it by 2027,” Gumel said in an interview with BSN Sports.

Discussions also focused on Nigeria’s participation in key upcoming competitions such as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, and the African Youth Games in Angola.

Officials emphasized that talent development, training camps, and safe sports policies—including the recent inauguration of a Safeguard Commission—are at the heart of Nigeria’s renewed international sporting ambitions.

Despite the momentum, funding remains a major concern. Gumel acknowledged the persistent financial constraints that hinder Nigeria's full participation in global competitions. However, he expressed optimism that with the NSC's collaboration and support from the private sector, these challenges could be overcome.

NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko outlined the Commission’s efforts to attract corporate sponsors by rebranding the Nigerian sports ecosystem.

“We are resetting, refocusing, and relaunching. We aim to make the sports sector more investor-friendly,” Dikko said, speaking to The Sun.

“The government is doing its part, and now we are actively engaging the private sector. This support is crucial for qualification campaigns and eventual participation in global events.”

Nigeria also has its sights set on hosting major sporting tournaments. The NOC confirmed that the country is preparing a bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games—a move it believes could stimulate economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and elevate Nigeria’s global sporting image.

In the near term, Nigeria is set to host the 2025 Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) African Junior Athletics Championship in July. Over 500 athletes in the Under-18 and Under-20 categories are expected to participate, making it one of the continent’s largest youth sporting events.

The NOC and NSC’s joint efforts signal a more unified approach to sports governance in Nigeria—anchored on sustainable funding, strategic infrastructure, and talent development with global competitiveness in view.