Federal Govt Approves Mixed Martial Art As National Sports Federation

The federal government has approved the recognition of Mixed Martial Arts (NMMAF) as one of the National Sports Federations under the control and supervision of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.

The minister of sports and youth development, Mr. Sunday Dare, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, saying the approval which was granted on January 11, 2023 follows a series of interfaces between the Federation’s Board and the Ministry.

“Having satisfied the condition precedent, pursuant to NMMAF’s acceptance to abide by the Code of Governance of all National Sports.”

Dare in a press statement signed by the director of press  and public relations, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Mohammed Manga, stated further that “the recognition has also saddled the Federation with the responsibility to develop, regulate and ensure the safety of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as a thriving Sports in Nigeria in line with global best practices.”

While calling on the Federation to work towards discovering and developing talents from the grassroots for the game, Dare urged them to take the game to a world class status not only through the development and maintenance of strict rules but also adhering strictly to its standards.

The Mixed Martial Arts Game is reputed to be one of the world’s fastest growing Sports with an estimated 449 million followers worldwide.