Philip Shaibu, director-general of the National Institute for Sports, has called for improved synergy between the institute and the National Sports Commission.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Mr Shaibu decried the lack of collaboration among key organisations responsible for developing sports in the country.

He noted that the NSC, NIS, and the Nigeria Football Federation are recognised by law and should work together.

“Among the agencies recognised by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, through various bills, are the NSC, NIS, and the NFF. These are the three main parastatals recognised in the sports sector, especially with the suspension of the Federal Ministry of Sports.

“Other bodies are federations, except the NFF, which is recognised as a parastatal. As we speak today, there is no coordination among these three arms of the sports sector. We do not hold meetings. Since I became NIS DG, we have not had any major meetings to discuss the renewed hope agenda of Mr President, Bola Tinubu.

“I have made several attempts and have personally visited to bring everyone together so we can address the issues affecting our sports sector. It appears as though we are only aware of each other through the media—when you hear that the NSC is doing one thing and the NIS is doing another,” he said.

The former Edo deputy governor, however, noted that there has been progress in collaboration with the NFF, although engagement with the NSC has been challenging.

Mr Shaibu also called for the immediate constitution of the NSC board.

The NIS boss also used the occasion to present Nigeria’s first certified medical director for marathon races.

Mr Shaibu criticised the country’s lack of technical expertise despite its abundance of talent, noting that Nigeria has long relied on expatriates to organise marathon events.

Sam Ogbondeminu, the newly certified medical director, thanked the NIS and other stakeholders who contributed to his feat for their support.

He pledged to apply his expertise whenever needed.

(NAN)