A non-governmental organisation, known as the Athletics and Other Sports Development Initiative, has condemned the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its failure to address the pressing issues facing Nigeria’s sports sector, labelling the period of leniency for its leaders as “over”.
In a press release issued in Abuja yesterday, 12th June 2025, the organisation expressed its dismay at the NSC’s inability to bring about the reforms expected by Nigerians upon the commission’s re-establishment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The change which Nigerians anticipated has been undermined by misplaced priorities and a futile chase for distractions by those appointed to oversee the sports industry in Nigeria,” stated Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, chairman of the NGO’s Board of Trustees. “The honeymoon for the NSC leadership is over. The grace period granted to NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko to revitalise sports in Nigeria has expired.”
Gara accused both Dikko and his director-general, Bukola Olopade, of mismanagement.
“He has failed completely, operating the NSC like a sole administrator, an approach that contravenes the very act that established them. They were given an opportunity to correct their course, but unfortunately, nothing has changed. This leaves many questioning the very purpose of the National Sports Commission.”
He further lamented the state of sports facilities in Nigeria, noting, “Currently, Nigeria lacks a single stadium capable of hosting international matches that meet FIFA or CAF standards, apart from the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The other facility obtaining CAF approval is the Remo Stadium in Ikene, Ogun State, primarily due to the intervention of businessman, Chief Kunle Soname.”
Gara highlighted the logistical challenges faced by teams, such as El-Kanemi FC, who were forced to travel from Maiduguri to Ikene for matches, and the struggles experienced by Rangers, who could not play in Enugu for similar reasons. He warned that without proper intervention, Nigeria risks being unprepared for upcoming continental competitions.
“Instead of Dikko and his team intervening to improve stadium conditions, they have opted to invite an overseas team to assess the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, which cost over 85 billion Naira to build during the Obasanjo administration. The former Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, previously misled the public by claiming refurbishment work was underway at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, but this has proven to be a deception.”
He continued to criticise the NSC’s lack of sponsorship initiatives since their appointments, asserting, “Since they took office, not a single sponsor has come on board. They appear to be waiting solely for government funding while claiming to be forefront leaders in sports.”
Gara called upon the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), Chief of Staff to the President, and both chambers of the National Assembly to provide clarity on these issues. “The National Assembly’s Sports Committees have oversight role that they are failing to fulfil. You have enacted laws that are poorly implemented, and inaction is allowing public funds to be mismanaged as they travel the world.”
Finally, he indicated that the NGO intends to pursue legal action to question the legality of actions taken by the NSC, stating, “There has been no Presidential mandate allowing them to operate outside the established law during this review period.”
As the sports community watches closely, it remains to be seen whether the NSC can navigate these challenges and restore confidence in Nigerian sports governance.
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