2026 Budget: Reps Endorse Tinubu’s ₦203.6bn Allocation For Sports

The House of Representatives Committee on Sport has wholeheartedly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ₦203.6 billion allocation for the sport sector in the 2026 Appropriation Bill. The committee described the allocation as a strong demonstration of the administration’s commitment to national development through sport.

The committee chairman, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, commended President Tinubu for his continued commitment to sport development. The proposed allocation represents a 92.6 per cent increase from the ₦105.7 billion approved for the sector in the 2025 Appropriation Act.

He stated that the significant increase underscores the Federal Government’s recognition of sport as a vital instrument for youth empowerment, national unity, and international representation.

Amadu, in a statement released by his media team on Thursday, also lauded President Tinubu’s approval of first-line charge funding for the sport sector. This move is expected to guarantee the prompt release of funds immediately after the budget’s passage. He noted that early funding would allow sporting bodies to prepare adequately for competitions and eliminate the recurring challenges of delayed financing.

The Committee Chairman expressed optimism that the increased allocation would address long-standing issues in the sector, including deteriorating sports infrastructure — particularly the National Stadia — unpaid bonuses to athletes and officials, inadequate funding for over 40 sports federations, and the absence of sustainable development frameworks and skilled manpower.

Reflecting on recent progress, Amadu described 2025 as a turning point for Nigerian sport. He highlighted the unprecedented achievement of 373 medals won by Nigerian athletes across international competitions — the highest tally in the country’s history.

He also pointed to reforms that repositioned the National Institute of Sport, restored full anti-doping compliance, and strengthened the integrity of Nigeria’s sporting system. Other milestones included the revitalisation of school sport to enhance grassroots talent discovery and the introduction of direct grants to athletes to support training and preparation.

“These milestones have restored hope, confidence, and pride in our sport sector,” Amadu stated.

The Committee Chairman reaffirmed the constitutional oversight responsibilities of the House Committee on Sport, noting that the agencies under its supervision had been invited to account for the implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act ahead of consideration of the 2026 budget proposals.

He explained that the budget defence exercise aligns with Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower the National Assembly to conduct investigations and ensure accountability in the management of public funds.

Amadu assured stakeholders that the committee would intensify its oversight functions to guarantee transparency, accountability, and value for money in the utilisation of the proposed 2026 allocation.

“As we consider the 2026 Appropriation Bill, we remain committed to ensuring that these increased resources are effectively utilised to develop infrastructure, support athletes, and sustain grassroots sport development,” he said.

He added that the committee would pursue constructive engagement with all relevant agencies to ensure that every kobo allocated to the sector translates into measurable impact for Nigerian sport and the nation at large.