The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has commenced official operations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones ahead of the April 12, 2026 resumption of academic activities.
Despite ongoing renovation and structural upgrades at several facilities, staff deployed to the various zonal offices have resumed duties and begun active engagements within their respective states.
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This development was confirmed through situation reports submitted by zonal coordinators and information officers.
In the South-South zone, the Benin office has resumed operations even as renovation works continue at its designated facility. As part of its early engagements, NIS officials paid a familiarisation visit to the Edo State Sports Commission to strengthen collaboration and align operational priorities.
The zone also recorded its first major assignment with participation in the ongoing NDDC Games hosted in Edo State, with the presence of the NIS Director-General/CEO and technical personnel highlighting the Institute’s commitment to grassroots and regional sports development.
The South-East zonal office in Enugu has also commenced operations while facility upgrades are ongoing.
Reports indicate that NIS officials were received at the Enugu State Government House during courtesy and strategic familiarisation visits aimed at reinforcing partnerships with the state government.
Zonal coordinators described the engagements as productive and essential to laying the foundation for structured training programmes and technical collaborations.
In the South-West, the Ogun State zonal office has begun operations at the Sagamu Stadium complex.
The facility, including staff accommodation and lecture halls, was donated to the Institute to enable immediate take-off.
While renovations are still planned to further upgrade the infrastructure, existing facilities have allowed administrative and preparatory activities to commence without delay.
Operations have also resumed in the North-West, where staff at the Kaduna zonal office returned to duty despite ongoing renovation works.
Officials in the zone report steady administrative coordination and stakeholder engagement, with activities structured to align with the phased upgrade of the premises.
In the North-East, the Yola zonal office in Adamawa State is operational, with staff resuming duties as minor renovation works continue.
The zone has already begun engagements with state sports authorities to develop a clear roadmap for upcoming programmes.
Similarly, in the North-Central zone, represented by Plateau State, staff have resumed work while renovation activities proceed in phases.
Preliminary administrative tasks and stakeholder engagements are already underway.
Across all six geopolitical zones, NIS operations have commenced alongside infrastructure improvements.
Zonal coordinators noted that the phased approach is designed to ensure uninterrupted service delivery while facilities are being upgraded.
The nationwide resumption reflects a renewed drive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Institute for Sports to strengthen the Institute’s presence at the grassroots level and reinforce its mandate as Nigeria’s apex sports training and development institution.
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