NSC Creates Dedicated Budget For Traditional Sports, Targets Global Recognition

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing and promoting Nigeria’s traditional sports, with plans to take the disciplines to the international stage.

NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, disclosed this during a visit to the Abula venue at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Friday.

Dikko said the Commission had, for the first time in the history of sports administration in Nigeria, created a dedicated budget line for traditional sports.

He described Abula, Dambe, Kokuwa, Langa and Ayo as important components of Nigeria’s sporting heritage that deserve sustained investment, wider participation and greater international exposure.

“For the first time in the history of sports, we have created a specific budget line for traditional sports.

“If you check the budget of the National Sports Commission, you will see a specific budget line meant to advance the cause of traditional sports,” he said.

The NSC chairman also urged the leadership of the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria to strengthen collaboration with other African countries as part of efforts to promote Nigerian traditional sports beyond the country.

He stressed that the disciplines must move beyond festivals and local competitions to become internationally recognised sporting activities.

“It is not just about having these sports at festivals and local events. We should work to promote them and make them as international as we can,” Dikko said.

He expressed optimism about the growing international interest in Nigerian traditional sports, particularly Dambe, noting that investors from Saudi Arabia had shown interest in the discipline and other indigenous sports.

Dikko also called on traditional rulers across the country to play a more active role in promoting traditional sports, saying their influence could help expand participation and preserve Nigeria’s sporting heritage.

“I am calling on traditional rulers across the country to play a greater role in promoting traditional sports, as they have to play a collective role with the relevant sports federations to expand the reach of traditional sports, just as they have done in promoting horse racing across the country,” he said.

He further challenged the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria to take competitions to more parts of the country and ensure that young Nigerians are introduced to the disciplines early.

“We cannot wait until somebody is already an adult before trying to introduce something to them. No, we need to engage in these sports right from school,” he added.