National Sports Commission 2026 Budget Scales Through as Lawmakers Hail Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Sports ResetFebruary 12, 2026

By Undie Emmanuel 
The Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Sports have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what they described as a bold and unprecedented reset of Nigeria’s sports sector, following the successful defence and approval of the National Sports Commission (NSC) 2026 budget.

The commendations came during the Commission’s two-day budget defence session held between February 11 and 12, 2026, where lawmakers reviewed the NSC’s 2025 performance and examined projections for 2026.

A Shift in Funding Structure
Central to the lawmakers’ praise was the President’s directive granting the NSC first-line charge funding beginning in 2026 — a move they described as a structural reform capable of eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically slowed sports development.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Abdul Ningi, stated that no Nigerian president since 1999 has demonstrated a comparable level of commitment to sports.

“Sports should not be funded like other sectors. It must be devoid of bureaucratic bottlenecks. Funds must be available ahead of time because international competitions will not wait for Nigeria,” he said.
Vice Chairman of the Committee, Ned Nwoko, described the policy shift as particularly beneficial to grassroots sports development, noting that sports remains a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment.
Former Abia State Governor and serving senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, reflected on his administration’s support for Enyimba FC, which won back-to-back CAF Champions League titles in 2003 and 2004.

“You don’t pay arrears in sports. Success comes when funds are released upfront,” Kalu said.
National Institute for Sports Makes Its Case

In another development, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, appeared before the Senate Committee on Sports for the Institute’s budget presentation.
Shaibu addressed the committee led by Chairman Abdul Ningi and Vice Chairman Ned Nwoko, where he passionately solicited proactive and prompt responses to sporting needs and infrastructure development.
“Sports does not wait. Our facilities, athlete preparation, and technical development must receive timely intervention if we are to compete globally,” he stressed.

He emphasised that funding delays could undermine athlete training cycles and international competitiveness.
Shaibu was accompanied by members of his management team, including Mrs. Nyakuo Oluokun, a senior official of the Institute, alongside other principal officers.
Lawmakers assured the Institute of continued legislative support, reiterating that the broader sports funding reforms initiated by the President were designed to benefit all critical institutions within the sector.

Measurable Impact in 2025
Responding to lawmakers’ remarks, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko revealed that in 2025 alone, Nigeria secured 375 medals across various sports, with about 50 contingents supported for international competitions. Only two returned without medals.

He further disclosed that sports made measurable economic contributions for the first time in Nigeria’s recent history, accounting for over 1% of GDP in multiple quarters and generating more than 140,000 validated jobs in 2025.
“At this pace, we will exceed our annual GDP projection of 3%,” Dikko projected.
Director-General Bukola Olopade emphasised that the Commission’s success extends beyond football.

“We are not a football-only Commission. Nigeria is currently among the best globally in scrabble and chess,” he said.
Budget Approval and Forward Outlook
Both chambers unanimously approved the NSC’s 2026 budget and pledged to advocate for additional funding in line with the Commission’s original ₦460 billion proposal, in accordance with presidential directives.

With the new funding structure in place, lawmakers say the 2026 fiscal year may mark a defining turning point in Nigeria’s sports administration — one they believe could reposition the country as a dominant force both competitively and economically.

Photos by Ikechukwu Sunday 

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