Philosophy of sports

The philosophy of Sports in Nigeria is to encourage participation in Sports as an avenue for the enhancement of health, exhibition of innate physical attributes, expression of talents, skills and alleviation of poverty.

Responsibilities of National Sports Commission

Policy Formulation and Implementation:

• Developing national Sports policies and strategies to foster the growth of Sports.

• Implementing these policies in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Sports Infrastructure Development:

• Planning and overseeing the construction, renovation, and maintenance of Sports facilities.

• Ensuring that Sports infrastructure meets international standards.

Talent Identification and Development:

• Creating Programmes to identify and nurture sporting talents from grassroots to elite levels.

• Providing training and support for athletes, coaches, and Sports administrators.

Promotion of Sports Participation:

• Encouraging mass participation in Sports and physical activities for health and social benefits.

• Organizing and supporting Sports events and competitions at local, national, and international levels.

Collaboration with Stakeholders:

• Working with Sports federations, associations, clubs, and private sector partners.

• Engaging with international Sports bodies and organizations to enhance Nigeria's participation in global Sports.

Regulation and Governance:

• Setting standards and regulations for Sports practices and competitions.

• Ensuring compliance with national and international Sports regulations and ethics.

Research and Development:

• Conducting research on Sports science and technology to improve performance.

• Promoting innovations in Sports training, management, and infrastructure.

Funding and Sponsorship:

• Securing funding for Sports development Programmes and initiatives.

• Facilitating sponsorship and investment in Sports by the private sector.

Promotion of Sports as a Business:

• Developing policies to harness the economic potential of Sports.

• Encouraging the commercialization of Sports and related industries.

Advocacy and Public Awareness:

• Raising awareness about the benefits of Sports and physical fitness.

• Promoting Sports as a tool for national unity, youth empowerment, and social development.

Functions of National Sports Commission

The functions of the Ministry are:

• Designing guidelines for Sports development activities in the country;

• Formulating monitoring and reviewing the National Sports Policies;

• Articulating relevant Programmes of action for Sports development

• Coordinating and monitoring Sports development activities at the three levels of Government and the collaborating partners;

• Collaborating with all stakeholders for the funding of Sports sectors;

• Promoting formal and informal training of athletes in life and likelihood skills;

• Organizing, or assisting financially or otherwise, the participation in Sports at inter-state, national and international levels;

• Providing an enabling environment for the development of coaches, technical and support staff for effective training of athletes;

• Ensuring the participation of all Sportsmen/women in inter-state, national, or international competitions;

• Coordinating and integrating efforts to raise the standard of performance in Sports in Nigeria.

The priority areas of National Sports Commission

To create employment opportunities, enhance education and healthcare, reduce poverty, and ensure every Nigerian has a chance to prosper, eight (8) Priority Areas were initiated by the Federal Government as follows:

i) Reform the economy to deliver sustained, inclusive growth.

ii) Strengthen national security for peace and prosperity.

iii) Boost agriNational Orientation to achieve food security.

iv) Unlock energy and natural resources for sustainable development.

v) Enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.

vi) Focus on education, health, and social investment as essential pillars of development.

vii) Accelerate diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing & innovation.

viii) Improve governance for effective service delivery.

National Sports Commission developmental programmes

The National Sports Commission has structured developmental programmes to help athletes improve their skills, physical abilities, and overall performance. These programmes often involve a combination of training sessions, coaching, competition opportunities, and support services tailored to the needs of athletes at various stages of their development. The goal is to nurture talent, enhance performance, and prepare athletes for success at higher levels of competition. The programmes are as follows:

i) Africa Sports Development and Investment Summit

ii) Nigeria Sports Award Ceremony

iii) The Sports Lottery

iv) The First Lady National Primary School Sport Championship

v) The Annual National Teams Captains One-Day Bootcamp with the Honourable Minister of Sports Development;

vi) The National Secondary School Sports Championship.

vii) Nigeria University Open Championship;

viii) Sports Gaming Licensing/ E-Sports;

ix) The National Sports Festival

x) Registration and licensing Database for all athletes/sports men and women/ sports facility operators in Nigeria.

xi) Adopt-A– Sports Facility Programme:

xii) Adopt-A-National Team Programme

Federal Government - owned stadia

i) Abuja National Stadium, Abuja

ii) National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

The following stadia were handed over to their respective State Government

i) Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna

ii) Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan

iii) Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi

Federal government owned training centres

i) Afuze-Edo State

ii) Ray Field- Plateau State

iii) Gembu, Mambila- Taraba State

iv) Nsulu-Abia State

v) Games Village in Lagos.

vi) Indoor Sports Halls in Benin, Kaduna, Ibadan, Enugu, Bauchi, Abuja, Lagos and Jos.

vii) Training Centres in Afuze, Rayfield Jos

viii) High Altitude Training Centres in Kuru and Gembu.

ix) Goodluck Johnathan Athletes’ Hostels in Abuja, Ibadan, Kaduna and Jos.