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President Bola Tinubu has given approval for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s sports financing system, instructing that resources for sports events and facilities be sufficiently allocated and disbursed in a timely manner starting from the 2026 budget year.

The President, in a message posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, focused on Nigeria’s sports achievements in 2025, stating that the move was intended to put an end to years of delayed financial support, administrative obstacles, and inadequate infrastructure that have hindered athletes’ training and performance.

Tinubu highlighted that Nigerian athletes achieved outstanding results in multiple areas during 2025, as the nation secured a total of 373 medals in various competitions, ranging from continental to international events.

“In 2025, athletes from Nigeria, including individual champions in athletics and other sports, along with victorious female football and basketball teams, as well as the Super Eagles who won a bronze medal at AFCON 2025 and still won our affection, brought great pride to our country,” he stated.

The leader highlighted sports as one of Nigeria’s most powerful national identities, emphasizing its role in bringing together the nation regardless of ethnic, religious, and social differences.

“Sports is one of our most powerful national brands. It brings us together, overcomes our divisions, fosters belief, and creates a feeling of togetherness,” Tinubu stated.

Honoring the National Sports Commission, the President commended its guidance led by Shehu Dikko in advancing changes aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope initiative, even amidst ongoing difficulties.

Nevertheless, Tinubu acknowledged that long-standing problems have hindered the growth of sports in the nation.

“Sports funding has been hindered by bureaucracy for too long, scattered among different organizations, and when the money is finally available, it arrives too late to aid adequate preparation and participation,” he stated, noting that inadequate investment in sports facilities had also put athletes at a disadvantage.

In response to this, the President stated that he has instructed the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, along with the Federation’s Budget Office, to guarantee that annual allocations for sports infrastructure development, upkeep, initiatives, events, and international engagement are included in the national budget starting from 2026.

“All money that has been allocated must be made available right away after the budget is approved and signed. Nigerian athletes deserve clarity, not excuses,” Tinubu stated.

He also revealed that the financial support for sports-related initiatives, which is currently distributed among different ministries, departments, and agencies, will be examined, simplified, and consolidated into a single funding system managed by the National Sports Commission.

As stated by the President, the reforms are based on the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy, which sees sports as a driver for generating employment, boosting tourism, attracting investment, and enhancing global influence.

“The future of Nigerian sports will be carefully planned, adequately financed, and competitive. We will back our athletes from the start, train them extensively, and honor them with pride,” Tinubu stated.

He mentioned that Nigeria will keep achieving success on the international scene “with dignity.”

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).