President Bola Tinubu has approved a sweeping reform of Nigeria’s sports sector, ordering a comprehensive overhaul of funding mechanisms beginning from the 2026 fiscal year to reposition the industry for economic sustainability and global competitiveness.
The President announced the decision on Friday via his verified X handle, @officialABAT, describing sports as one of Nigeria’s strongest national assets and a powerful tool for unity, diplomacy and international influence.
Tinubu noted that the growth of sports in Nigeria has been constrained for decades by bureaucratic bottlenecks, fragmented funding structures and chronic underinvestment in standard infrastructure.
“For too long, sports funding has been slowed by bureaucracy, fragmented across institutions, and when eventually released, arrives too late to support proper preparation and participation,” the President said.
He added that inadequate attention had also been paid to building sports infrastructure that meets international standards.
To address these challenges, Tinubu directed the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, as well as the Budget Office of the Federation, to reset sports funding from 2026.
He ordered that adequate annual budgetary provisions be made for sports infrastructure, development programmes, events and Nigeria’s participation in international competitions.
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The President further directed that funds allocated to sports be released immediately after the national budget is passed and assented to, stressing that Nigerian athletes deserve timely and predictable financial support.
Under the new reforms, allocations for sporting activities currently scattered across various ministries, departments and agencies will be reviewed and streamlined. Savings realised from the restructuring will be pooled into a unified funding framework under the National Sports Commission (NSC) to strengthen domestic sports development and international engagement.
Tinubu said the reforms are anchored on the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which seeks to reposition sports as a catalyst for job creation, tourism, investment and global visibility.
He added that his administration is committed to building a stronger sports ecosystem through scientific elite athlete development, expanded grassroots participation, revitalised sports federations and the hosting of major international sporting events.
“Sports is our national asset and must be administered, managed and funded in alignment with its unique nature, free from bureaucratic constraints,” the President said.
Highlighting recent achievements, Tinubu disclosed that Nigerian athletes won a record 373 medals across various sports in 2025, citing impressive performances in athletics, football, basketball and other disciplines.
He said the feat underscores Nigeria’s vast potential when talent is supported by structure, funding and proper preparation.
The President commended the National Sports Commission for progress recorded despite existing challenges and praised its leadership under Chairman Shehu Dikko for driving reforms aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
