In a bold move to overhaul and reposition the nation’s sports landscape, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has charged sports officers across Nigeria to fully align with the Commission’s new vision under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day capacity-building workshop themed “Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch the Nigerian Sports Sector for Greater Performance”, Dikko unveiled the Commission’s transformative RHINSE policy — a strategic blueprint for sustainable sports development aimed at igniting performance, productivity, and prosperity.
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“You are the fundamental key drivers of this vision. If you fail to align, the task becomes much more difficult,” Dikko told participants. “But if we work together, success is guaranteed.”
Central to the NSC reform agenda is a renewed emphasis on grassroots development and the Federal Executive Council’s recently approved “Nigeria First” policy, which prioritizes the strengthening of internal capacity and utilization of local expertise.
“For the first time, the Commission has a targeted budget focused on delivering the right infrastructure,” Dikko said, revealing ongoing efforts to concession major facilities in Lagos, Kaduna, Ibadan, and Bauchi for full optimization.
The Chairman didn’t stop at traditional sports — he spotlighted the booming potential of E-sports in Nigeria, noting that the country already boasts over three million active players, with individuals earning up to $300 in 2024 alone. “E-sports is a sleeping economic giant,” he stated. “Our goal is to generate three to four million jobs through sports.”
Also present at the event, NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade rallied the sports officers to be bold and proactive. “Never allow yourselves to be intimidated. The Commission is fully behind you,” he assured.
Echoing the same sentiment, Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) President Engr. Habu Gumel urged collaborative efforts between officers and federation leaders, while Director of Federation and Elite Athletes Department, Mr. Olumide Bamiduro, emphasized the importance of the officers’ role in driving change.
Federal Civil Service Commissioner, Hon. Gboyega Oyebade, wrapped up the session by calling for a shift toward measurable results, urging the officers to develop and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) under the Performance Management System (PMS).
As Nigeria presses reset on its sports sector, the message is clear: the era of excuses is over. With a renewed vision, actionable plans, and committed professionals at the helm, the country may well be on track to reclaim its rightful place on the global sporting stage.
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