Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has called on stakeholders in Nigerian basketball to put aside their differences and rally behind the incoming leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to usher in a new era of unity and development.

Dikko made the appeal on Thursday during the NBBF elective congress at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, where delegates gathered to elect a new board to succeed the outgoing administration of Musa Ahmadu Kida.

The NSC chairman described the election as an opportunity to end the divisions that have affected the federation, urging stakeholders to prioritise the growth of the game over individual interests and political differences.

“Today is the day to show that we are for basketball. Whatever it is, let’s put the ball stop here and see how we can move forward together as one family,” Dikko said.

He acknowledged that stakeholders had supported different candidates during the electoral process but insisted that the outcome should mark the beginning of a common front for the development of Nigerian basketball.

“Somebody is going left, somebody is going right, somebody is going back, but for the next four years, we will be speaking from the same time and the same situation,” he said.

Dikko also recognised the contributions of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to the administration and development of the sport in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to sustain their cooperation with the world governing body.

He assured the basketball community of the NSC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that would expand participation, strengthen the domestic leagues and create opportunities for young talents across the country.

His appeal came against the backdrop of disagreements surrounding the NBBF electoral process, with the chairman stressing that collective commitment would be essential to moving the sport forward.

Meanwhile, outgoing NBBF president Musa Ahmadu Kida expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Dikko, the NSC Director-General and other stakeholders for their contributions during his eight year tenure.

Kida described his time in office as challenging but rewarding, maintaining that he was leaving with a sense of fulfilment after dedicating his time, resources and passion to the development of Nigerian basketball.

“It has been a very tight block, but Alhamdulillah, we are here today,” he said.

He commended the delegates for participating in the congress despite the challenges surrounding the election, adding that the presence of state directors of sports reflected the importance of basketball to the country's sporting landscape.

Reflecting on his tenure, Kida said he had given his best to the game and remained proud of his contributions to the federation.

“I personally have given the best shot that I could have. I have invested my time, I have invested my resources and passion in order for us to grow this game. I am stepping down full of pride and with a huge sense of fulfilment,” he said.

The outgoing president also pledged to support whoever emerged as his successor, emphasising that his commitment to basketball development would remain irrespective of the election outcome.

“I want to assure you that no matter who wins the elections, I will give you my unbiased support when you need it, if you need it, and most especially if you ask for it,” Kida added.

Kida highlighted the continued organisation of the women's Premier League and developments in the men's competition as some of the progress recorded during his administration, expressing hope that the incoming board would build on the existing foundation.

With the elective congress marking the end of Kida's eight-year leadership, the focus now shifts to the new administration and its ability to unite stakeholders, strengthen domestic competitions and create a sustainable pathway for Nigerian basketball to fulfil its potential.