The National Sports Commission (NSC) is working towards mobilising a N1 trillion infrastructure fund to accelerate sports development, rehabilitate facilities and attract private sector investment into the Nigerian sports economy.

The chairman of the commission, Shehu Dikko, stated this during a meeting with representatives of four federal government-owned media organisations in Abuja.

They are the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

Mr Dikko said the initiative formed part of efforts to reposition sports as a viable economic sector through sustainable infrastructure financing, commercial partnerships and improved management of sporting facilities.

“We are exploring innovative funding and investment models to ensure that sports infrastructure generates revenue rather than remaining dependent on government funding,” he said.

According to him, the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for private investors to participate in the development and management of sports facilities.

“We have to sit down and look at how we can work together, because it is not just about the picture of the facilities but about opening them up, making them work and generating revenue,” he said.

“The commission is pursuing partnerships to transform stadiums into multipurpose facilities capable of hosting sporting competitions, conferences, entertainment programmes and other commercial activities.

“The strategy will help maximise the economic value of public infrastructure while creating employment opportunities and supporting the growth of related industries,” Mr Dikko said.

The NSC chairman noted that stadiums should operate beyond match days, with facilities such as hotels, restaurants, conference centres, advertising platforms and commercial spaces providing additional revenue.

He added that the commission was exploring arrangements with investors and facility managers to complete outstanding projects and improve the commercial viability of existing sports infrastructure.

Mr Dikko said the initiative was also aimed at developing world-class sporting facilities across the country to support athletes, attract international competitions and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global sports.

He stressed that sustainable sports development required a coordinated approach involving government agencies, private investors, sports federations and other stakeholders.

The chairman also identified grassroots sports development as a key component of the commission’s broader strategy.

According to him, investment in schools and community facilities would help identify and nurture talents for national and international competitions.

He said Nigeria could benefit economically from its vast pool of sporting talents through structured development programmes and opportunities for athletes to compete internationally.

Mr Dikko further emphasised the importance of collaboration with the media in attracting investors, promoting sporting events and communicating the economic opportunities available in the sector.

“The commission is also working towards establishing a dedicated sports television channel to expand coverage of sporting activities, attract sponsorship and create additional commercial opportunities,” he said.

According to him, stronger media partnerships will be critical to increasing the visibility of Nigerian sports and attracting the corporate sector to invest in sporting competitions and infrastructure.

He called for sustained cooperation among the commission, government-owned media organisations and private sector stakeholders to achieve the country’s sports development objectives. 

(NAN)