The 32-member special committee led by Engineer Musa Kida, tasked with devising a strategic plan for transforming the National Institute for Sports (NIS) into a globally competitive centre for sports development, has submitted its report to the Institute’s Director General, Comrade Philip Shaibu.
Upon receiving the report, Comrade Shaibu expressed gratitude to the committee for its commendable work and assured that an advisory committee would be established to guide the implementation of the report in line with the President’s vision of making Nigeria a hub for sports and tourism.
He stated that plans are already underway to decentralise the NIS, with the aim of establishing zonal offices in all six geopolitical zones of the country. “The objective is to replicate the NIS model across these regions, ensuring a broad impact on sports development nationwide,” Shaibu stated.
Shaibu highlighted that the mandate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to reinvigorate the NIS and elevate it to its former glory, possibly surpassing the high standards previously set. He recalled the insights shared by former Eagles Goalkeeper Emmanuel Okala regarding the NIS’s pivotal role in enhancing the physical and psychological preparedness of athletes before and during tournaments.
Furthermore, Shaibu announced that Musa Kida will continue as the chairman of the advisory committee responsible for implementing the report’s recommendations.
“President Tinubu has a holistic approach to reshaping the narrative of our nation’s sports landscape by ensuring that the most capable individuals are entrusted with the processes necessary to revitalise the sporting ecosystem,” he remarked.
In his submission, the committee chairman Musa Kida praised his team for their dedicated efforts in producing a comprehensive and dynamic document, which he described as both forward-looking and user-friendly, with detailed, step-by-step guidance on its application.
The committee was inaugurated on August 20 to chart a course for the rejuvenation and future direction of the institute.
