A civil society group, the Unapologetic Masses Advocacy Movement, has challenged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to provide detailed accounts of its infrastructure commitments and spending plans under Nigeria’s proposed ₦203.6 billion sports budget for 2026.

The group, led by Ebbyzymore Inmohtap Numa, raised the concerns in a document titled “Talk Is Cheap: Reminder of Your Pronouncements from League to Federation to NSC,” dated October 8, 2026.

It called on NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko to provide evidence of progress on key sports development promises, particularly stadium rehabilitation, community sports facilities and efforts to make Nigerian sports infrastructure commercially sustainable.

A major focus of the group’s concerns is the proposed ₦203.6 billion allocation to the sports sector in the 2026 budget, which includes ₦18.775 billion for the first phase of rehabilitation of the main bowl at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja and ₦5.8 billion for a High Performance Centre at the complex.

The advocacy movement requested details of the projects, including the contractors involved, implementation schedules, expenditure records and plans to ensure the facilities remain functional after rehabilitation.

It argued that budget allocations and project announcements should be matched by verifiable results that benefit athletes, clubs and the wider sporting community.

The group also revisited Dikko’s tenure as chairman of the League Management Company from 2013 to 2022, questioning the progress made towards turning the Nigeria Premier Football League into a commercially sustainable competition.

It raised concerns over broadcasting, club finances, players’ welfare and the overall commercial development of the league, while seeking explanations about the Next TV broadcasting initiative unveiled in 2019.

According to the group, the effectiveness of such initiatives should be assessed through measurable improvements in match coverage, revenue generation and the financial stability of clubs.

The movement further sought updates on rehabilitation work at the Abuja stadium, plans for 100 mini-stadiums and proposals to develop six major stadiums across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

It warned that infrastructure projects could lose their value if adequate maintenance arrangements and funding were not established from the outset.

The group also questioned the outcome of the Dangote Group-supported Adopt-A-Pitch initiative at the Abuja stadium, calling for details of the work completed, relevant financial records and explanations of the programme’s reported inability to deliver lasting improvements.

These claims require verification through project records and an official response from the relevant authorities.

In its submission, the advocacy movement urged the NSC to consider locally developed pitch technologies associated with Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Company.

It cited facilities such as Remo Stars Stadium and Samson Siasia Stadium and proposed pilot projects in Abuja and Bayelsa to compare construction costs, durability, playing quality and long-term maintenance requirements.

The group maintained that local expertise and cost-effective technology should be considered in the government’s infrastructure planning, provided that solutions meet appropriate technical and performance standards.

It also called for the publication of project contracts and expenditure records, alongside the establishment of a dedicated stadium maintenance fund and regular public reports on infrastructure projects.

The movement argued that stadiums should be developed as commercially viable facilities capable of generating revenue through hotels, retail outlets, conference facilities and other complementary businesses.

It said such an approach could reduce dependence on public funding while helping sports facilities remain operational over the long term.

The concerns come as the Federal Government pursues a broader programme to rehabilitate national sports facilities and expand community sports infrastructure. In May, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation announced approvals for upgrades at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the National Stadium in Lagos and other facilities.

The NSC has presented infrastructure renewal as part of efforts to reposition sports as an economic sector capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and supporting national development.

However, the advocacy movement insists that the success of the programme must be judged by completed projects, transparent expenditure and facilities that remain usable after commissioning.

The commission’s response, together with relevant procurement documents, implementation reports and audited expenditure records, would help clarify the status of the projects and address the questions raised.

As scrutiny of the sports budget continues, the central issue is whether the proposed investment will translate into sustainable infrastructure and measurable benefits for Nigerian sports.