National Assembly hails Tinubu’s revolutionary reforms in sports sector
The National Assembly has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the most sports-proactive leader in Nigeria’s democratic history. During the 2026 Budget Defense for the National Sports Commission (NSC), the
The National Assembly has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the most sports-proactive leader in Nigeria’s democratic history.
During the 2026 Budget Defense for the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Senate and House Committees on Sports lauded the President for his revolutionary decision to implement ‘First Line Charge’ funding, effectively ending decades of bureaucratic delays in the sector.
Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, remarked :"Since 1999, no President has shown more genuine intent in prioritizing sports than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. By ensuring funds are available in advance, he has acknowledged that international competitions don't wait for paperwork. This is a masterstroke in sports administration."
Lawmakers also lauded the President’s wisdom in restructuring the sector by bringing in seasoned professionals—Mallam Shehu Dikko (Chairman) and Hon. Bukola Olopade (Director-General)—to lead the NSC.
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While Hon. Kabiru Ahmadu (House Committee Chairman), noted that the President’s directive for adequate budgeting is a testament to his trust in the current leadership’s industry, Hon. Ahmadu Jaha observed that the work done in a short time by the NSC "surpasses what all previous sports ministers combined have achieved," attributing this success to the President’s initiative to de-bureaucratize the sector.
Former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, drew parallels to the President’s long-standing passion for sports, noting: "The President has always had good intentions for sports; even as Governor of Lagos, he was a pillar of support for Enyimba FC’s continental success."
The NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, presented data that validates the President's strategic investment.
"The President's position on sports will effectively solve the chronic problem of delayed fund releases," Dikko stated. "Our mandate is to harness the sports economy, and we are already exceeding our projections.”
"In his speech, Olopade, the NSC DG, pointed out that the 375 medals cut across various sports. He highlighted that the Commission gives opportunity for all sports to thrive.
In a final show of confidence, the Committees unanimously approved the NSC 2026 budget. To further the President’s vision of a "total reset," the lawmakers committed to advocating for an upward review of the commission’s funding to N460 billion, ensuring the 2026 season delivers even greater glory for the nation.
Hon. Chinedu Ogar summarized the sentiment: "We are witnessing ground-breaking innovations. From inclusiveness in administration to record-breaking results on the field, we have to commend Mr. President for these appointments. We have never had it this good."
