FGN
Olayiwola Mercy
President Bola Tinubu has approved a unified sports funding framework to break bureaucratic barriers and strengthen Nigeria’s performance in local and international games. This move aims to provide adequate resources for sporting infrastructure, programs, events, and international competitions, ensuring Nigerian athletes are well-prepared and competitive.
The unified funding framework will be managed by the National Sports Commission (NSC), streamlining allocations currently dispersed across multiple government agencies. This reform is expected to unlock significant resources for structured sports development, elite athlete development, and grassroots participation.
Tinubu emphasized that sports is a national asset and must be administered and funded without bureaucratic bottlenecks. He directed the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Budget Office of the Federation to reset sports funding starting from the 2026 fiscal year.
The President’s directive is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), aimed at positioning sports as a driver of job creation, tourism, investment, and global influence. RHINSE focuses on elite athlete development, grassroots participation, revitalized sports federations, and hosting major international events in Nigeria.
Tinubu commended the NSC for progress made despite challenges, praising its leadership under Chairman Shehu Dikko for driving reforms aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The NSC has welcomed the directive, guaranteeing adequate support for major games, including the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games.
The unified funding framework is expected to address longstanding issues of delayed funding and inadequate infrastructure investment, which have hindered Nigeria’s sports development. Tinubu assured that Nigerian athletes will receive timely support, stating, “Nigerian athletes deserve certainty, not excuses.
In 2025, Nigerian athletes won a record 373 medals across various sports, demonstrating the country’s potential when talent is supported with structure and preparation. Tinubu expressed confidence that the reforms will drive sustained success, stating, “Nigeria will continue to win, with pride.
The House of Representatives Committee on Sports has applauded Tinubu’s move, describing it as a significant boost to the sports sector.
