NSC Seeks ₦1tn Fund for Sports Infrastructure

 

By Atlantic Reports

The National Sports Commission (NSC) is seeking to mobilise a ₦1 trillion infrastructure fund to rehabilitate sporting facilities and attract private investment into Nigeria’s sports sector.

NSC Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko outlined the proposal during a meeting in Abuja with representatives of four Federal Government-owned media organisations.

The proposed fund forms part of the commission’s plans to develop sports as an economic sector through infrastructure financing, commercial partnerships and improved facility management.

Dikko did not announce that the ₦1 trillion had been secured. Details of prospective contributors, financing terms and a mobilisation timetable were not provided.

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

Stadiums Beyond Match Days

Dikko said the commission was pursuing partnerships to enable stadiums to host conferences, entertainment programmes and other commercial activities alongside sporting competitions.

He identified hotels, restaurants, conference centres, advertising platforms and commercial spaces as potential sources of income that could keep facilities active beyond match days.

“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.

According to Dikko, the commission is exploring arrangements with investors and facility managers to complete outstanding projects and improve the commercial viability of existing infrastructure.

He said the approach could create employment and support related industries, while better facilities could help athletes prepare and enable Nigeria to attract international competitions. These remain projected benefits of the proposed investment strategy.

Grassroots Facilities and Athlete Development

Dikko also identified schools and community facilities as priorities, saying investment at that level would help discover and nurture athletes for national and international competition.

For young people outside established sporting centres, the reach of that investment will depend on which communities receive facilities, how they are maintained and whether coaching and regular competitions accompany construction.

The announcement did not specify how the proposed fund would be divided between major stadiums and grassroots facilities, or identify projects selected for support.

Private participation also raises questions about management responsibilities, maintenance obligations and affordable access for athletes and community users. Those terms were not detailed at the meeting.

Sports Television Channel Proposed

Dikko said the commission was working towards establishing a dedicated sports television channel to expand coverage, attract sponsorship and create commercial opportunities.

He called for stronger media partnerships to promote competitions and communicate investment opportunities in Nigerian sports.

The meeting involved representatives of the Nigerian Television Authority, Voice of Nigeria, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and another federal media organisation.

Dikko urged sustained cooperation among government agencies, investors, sports federations and media organisations. The next test for the infrastructure proposal will be whether the commission secures funding and sets out clear terms for delivering, maintaining and opening facilities to the people they are intended to serve.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.