0n October,23, 2024, President Bola Tinubu scrapped the Federal Ministry of Sports and had its functions transferred to the National Sports Commission (NSC) to develop a vibrant sports economy.Stakeholders in the sector hailed the return of the commission and the appointment of Mallam Shehu Dikko, as the chairman.
Immediate past president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, and his successor, Ibrahim Gusau, hailed the appointment and shared their excitement in separate releases.
“I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu immensely for this big task handed over to one man that I am convinced can do a good job. Dikko was very close to me personally during our years at the NFF because I saw in him a man with profound vision, dynamism, capacity for a lot of good and great things, positivity, and sincerity,” Pinnick stated.
In the same vein, Gusau congratulated Dikko, saying he has no doubt that his vast experience in football administration as a marketing expert has prepared him adequately to make a success of the big job.
He said, “On behalf of the NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity, I warmly and heartily congratulate Mallam Shehu Dikko on this huge national assignment that has been presented to him. I have no doubt that he has the knowledge, skill, experience, steadfastness, temperament, diligence, and intelligence to make a success of the National Sports Commission.
We served together on the same NFF Board for close to eight years, and I can attest to his enterprise and resourcefulness. He is a man full of meaningful and positive ideas, and the Nigeria Football Federation will surely work together with him to take our football to new heights of excellence.”Said Gusau.
Dikko, the Kaduna State-born football administrator, was the Chairman of the League Management Company responsible for the management of the Nigerian Professional Football League.
He previously served as a consultant for the Nigerian House of Representatives on Sports committee.
Dikko contested for the President of the Nigeria Football Federation in 2022, but later stepped down for Ibrahim Gusau who emerged victorious.
On assumption of office Dikko had emphasised that his major priority was to establish a robust and profitable sports economy for the country.
Dikko made the statement in Abuja during the formal handover from the former Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, held at the Moshood Abiola national stadium office.
He said his mission was not to engage in quick fixes or just win medals for the country but to holistic sports development in line with international best practices.
”The objective of Mr President is to harness the full potential of the sports economy in Nigeria.
”So we have to change our mindset from the fixation of just competitions and winning medals and come back and fix our domestic sports development.
”When we set the foundation right, the results and the winning of medals will naturally come sustainably, and that should be the new mindset,” he said.
The NSC boss said part of his mission was to ensure that sports become a money-spinner and contribute at least three per cent to the nation’s GDP in the next four years.
”The thinking of Mr President is that after having some of these structures in place, we should be able to measure the country’s sports by its contribution to the nation’s GDP by at least three percent.
Dikko called on all stakeholders to support the new NSC in its drive to reposition and transform sports development in the country.
As Dikko and his team settle down to channel a new pathway for Nigerian sports,it is essential to set a clear and ambitious agenda for the National Sports Commission in 2025. Here are key areas to focus on:
Infrastructure Development
Prioritize the renovation and upgrade of existing sports facilities, including stadiums, arenas, and training centers.Identify locations for new sports facilities, including mini-stadiums, sports complexes, and community centers.
Grassroots Development
Launch a nationwide program to develop grassroots sports, focusing on schools, communities, and local governments.Establish a talent identification and development program to discover and nurture young athletes.
Elite Athlete Development
Provide adequate resources and support for national teams preparing for international competitions.Develop specialized training programs for elite athletes, focusing on technical, tactical, physical, and mental development.
Sports Administration and Governance
Review and update the national sports policy to ensure it aligns with global best practices.Implement reforms to strengthen sports federations, ensuring they are transparent, accountable, and effective.
Marketing and Sponsorship
Develop a comprehensive sports marketing strategy to promote Nigerian sports, attract sponsors, and increase revenue.Foster partnerships with local and international sponsors to support sports development and national teams.
Anti-Doping and Integrity
Strengthen the national anti-doping program to ensure compliance with international standards.Establish a sports integrity unit to investigate and prevent match-fixing, corruption, and other forms of cheating.
Inclusivity and Diversity
Launch initiatives to promote women’s sports development, including training programs, competitions, and advocacy. Develop programs to support para-sports development, including training, competitions, and infrastructure development.
Budgeting and Funding
Advocate for increased budget allocation for sports development and national teams.Explore private sector partnerships to supplement government funding and support sports development.
By focusing on these key areas, the Dikko-led National Sports Commission can drive significant progress in Nigerian sports, improve performance, and increase participation.
