President Tinubu Orders Sports Funding Reset

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive reset of sports funding in Nigeria, directing key ministries and agencies to overhaul the financing framework for the sector beginning from the 2026 fiscal year.

The President announced the directive on Friday evening in a message posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, where he described sports as one of Nigeria’s strongest national brands and a critical tool for unity and global influence.

Tinubu said the funding reset would end years of bureaucratic delays, fragmented allocations and late release of funds that have undermined athletes’ preparation and participation in major competitions.

“For too long, sports funding was slowed by bureaucracy, fragmented across institutions, and when funds are released, they come too late to support proper preparation and even participation,” the President said.

He added that no meaningful investment had been made in sports infrastructure development and maintenance that meets international benchmarks, stressing that the cycle must end.

As part of the new directive, Tinubu said he had approved and instructed the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Budget Office of the Federation to reset sports funding from 2026.

He said adequate annual provisions must be made in the national budget for sports infrastructure development, maintenance, sporting activities, programmes, events and Nigeria’s participation in international competitions.

The President further directed that all funds appropriated for sports must be released immediately once the budget is passed and assented to.

“Nigerian athletes deserve certainty, not excuses,” he said.

Tinubu also ordered a review of funds for sporting activities currently spread across various ministries, departments and agencies, saying such allocations would be restructured and streamlined.

According to him, savings from the process would be transferred into a unified funding framework under the National Sports Commission to strengthen domestic programmes and international participation.

The President said the reforms are anchored on the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy, which aims to reposition sports as a driver of job creation, tourism, investment and global influence.

He said his administration would build a stronger sports ecosystem through scientific elite athlete development, active grassroots participation, revitalised sports federations and the hosting of major international events in Nigeria.

Tinubu disclosed that Nigerian athletes won 373 medals across all sports in 2025, describing the performance as unprecedented and proof of the country’s potential when talent is supported with structure and preparation.

“In 2025, scores of athletes representing Nigeria made our nation proud,” he said, citing achievements by individual champions, Nigeria’s female football and basketball teams, and the Super Eagles, who finished with a bronze medal at AFCON 2025.

The President commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for what he described as progress despite challenges, praising its leadership under chairman Shehu Dikko for driving reforms aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He assured that the future of Nigerian sports would be planned, properly funded and competitive, adding that athletes would be supported early, prepared thoroughly and celebrated proudly.

“Nigeria will continue to win, with pride,” Tinubu declared.