President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s sports sector, directing a reset of funding mechanisms from the 2026 fiscal year to reposition the industry for economic viability 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 brands and a powerful tool for unity and international influence.
Tinubu acknowledged that sports development in the country has been undermined by bureaucratic delays, fragmented funding arrangements and inadequate investment in standard infrastructure.
“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,” he said, adding that insufficient attention had also been given to sports infrastructure that meets international standards.
To address these challenges, the President directed the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, as well as the Budget Office of the Federation, to reset sports funding beginning from 2026. He ordered that adequate annual budgetary provisions be made for sports infrastructure, programmes, events and participation in international competitions.
Tinubu further instructed that funds appropriated for sports should be released immediately after the national budget is passed and assented to, stressing that Nigerian athletes deserve certainty and timely support.
As part of the reforms, allocations for sporting activities currently spread across various ministries, departments and agencies will be reviewed and streamlined. According to the President, savings from the restructuring will be channelled into a unified funding framework under the National Sports Commission (NSC) to strengthen domestic programmes and international participation.
He said the reforms are anchored on the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which aims to position sports as a driver of job creation, tourism, investment and global influence.
The President added that his administration would build a stronger sports ecosystem through scientific elite athlete development, grassroots participation, revitalised sports federations and the hosting of major international events.
“Sports is our national asset and must be administered, managed, and funded in alignment with its special nature, devoid of bureaucratic bottlenecks,” Tinubu said.
Highlighting recent achievements, Tinubu disclosed that Nigerian athletes won a record 373 medals across all sports in 2025, citing strong performances in athletics, football, basketball and other disciplines. He noted that the results demonstrate Nigeria’s vast potential when talent is supported with proper structure and preparation.
The President also commended the NSC for the progress recorded despite existing challenges and praised its leadership under Chairman Shehu Dikko for driving reforms in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
