African sports ministers, stakeholders applaud Nigeria’s sports reforms

By Olaolu Joseph

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, joined other African Ministers of Sports, UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention officials, stakeholders, and global experts at the Interregional African Ministerial Meeting held in Banjul, Gambia, on Tuesday.

The meeting focused on strengthening sports governance in Africa, fostering regional cooperation, promoting sports values, ethics, and integrity, advancing anti-doping programs, and strategically positioning the continent within the global sports ecosystem.

Mallam Dikko was among the panelists and presented a paper titled “Building the Legacy of Major Sports Events”, drawing on his nearly three decades of experience in the sector.

He shared insights on Nigeria’s experiences and the NSC’s objectives, including attracting hosting rights for major sports events as part of a broader vision to upgrade the nation’s sporting infrastructure, enhance Nigeria’s global sporting reputation, and promote the country positively.

During his presentation, Dikko highlighted the ongoing structural and transformative reforms in Nigerian sports under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE).

He outlined RHINSE’s strategic vision, deliberate measures being implemented, and the expected outcomes, including restructuring the sports ecosystem from a competition-driven framework to a production-based, value-adding, and development-oriented industry.

He also emphasized sports as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth alongside its social impact.

The meeting’s participants unanimously supported Nigeria’s sports reforms, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold decisions and for elevating sports development to a national priority. They applauded the declaration of sports as a National Asset and the unprecedented support and investment provided to drive its growth.

Mallam Dikko expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, highlighting its benefits for Nigerian sports.

He stated:

“On the sidelines, I engaged the Director of WADA Africa, Mr. Rodney Swigelaar, and the CEO of the USA Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), Mr. Travis Tygart, regarding Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its anti-doping framework. I provided updates on the Nigeria Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) Bill, including plans for the 2025 fiscal year to establish a world-class anti-doping laboratory in Nigeria to serve Africa.

“Both parties committed to providing the necessary support to ensure the project’s success. The WADA Africa delegation also pledged continuous support to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-doping processes and ensure full compliance.”

He continued:

“I also engaged Her Excellency Amb. Minata Samara Cessounma, the African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, on collaboration to enhance the operations of the African Union Sports Council Region II, headquartered in Nigeria.

“Preliminary discussions were held on Nigeria’s potential bid to host the African Games in 2031 and other collaborative initiatives to advance sports development in Africa.”

The meeting also included engagements with the Gambian President, His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow, the Vice President, and the Gambian Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Bakary Badjie.

Dikko concluded:

“The NSC will continue to engage stakeholders worldwide to boost sports development in Nigeria through sustainable frameworks and create a thriving sports economy, aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.”

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