The Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to declare a State of Emergency on Nigeria’s sports infrastructure, describing the sector as being in its worst condition in decades.
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Shaibu, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, made the appeal on Monday while hosting members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South South FCT Chapter in his Abuja office.
He warned that the “total collapse” of facilities nationwide has crippled sporting development, undermined youth engagement, and diminished Nigeria’s standing in global sports.
According to the NIS boss, only the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo currently meets FIFA standards—an alarming situation that could force Nigeria to play international home matches abroad should the facility fall into disrepair.
“Sports need urgent attention so that Nigeria can take its place back as a sporting nation,” Shaibu said, stressing that the revitalization of infrastructure would not only enhance performance but also strengthen the economy through sports tourism, job creation, and youth development.
Shaibu revealed that the Institute has already designed a 10-year development blueprint aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at restoring NIS as the premier training ground for sports professionals in Africa.
He noted that the President recognizes sports as a powerful tool for national unity and a viable avenue for economic diversification.
Addressing the visiting APC delegation, Shaibu reiterated that revitalizing sports infrastructure is essential to achieving these national objectives.
The delegation’s leader, Abdulwahab Ekaide, commended Shaibu for his transformative work at the NIS and requested that he serve as the group’s patron, praising his leadership and commitment to rebuilding
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