The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NSC

  • Why Super Eagles’ bonus was delayed at AFCON 2025 – NSC chairman

    Why Super Eagles’ bonus was delayed at AFCON 2025 – NSC chairman

    The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has attributed the delay in the payment of bonuses to the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to bureaucratic bottlenecks.

    Dikko spoke on Thursday after reports emerged that players of the Nigeria threatened to boycott their AFCON quarter-final clash against Algeria over unpaid bonuses.

    According to the NSC chairman, the funds have already been approved and released, but are still undergoing due process.

    “The money has been released and is being processed,” Dikko said during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

    Read Also: Akinsanmiro misses Super Eagles training ahead Algeria clash

    He added: “The NFF, the Sports Commission, the Presidency, the Minister of Finance, and the CBN are all involved. Fundamentally, the money for this AFCON is approved and being processed through the right channels. It’s a matter of timing.”

    He stressed that approval of funds does not automatically translate into immediate disbursement, explaining that multiple government institutions are involved in the process.

    “Let me give you the timelines of how these issues work. First and foremost, I must tell you that Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, duly approved the special budget for the AFCON as far back as November 14, 2025,” Dikko said.

    “But approving the money is different from getting the money out. It takes time for the funds to be processed through the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant-General, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

  • Odebode credits  NSC for Para-Sports’ medal haul  at African Grand Prix

    Odebode credits  NSC for Para-Sports’ medal haul  at African Grand Prix

    The Para-Olympics Committee of Nigeria, PCN, has ascribed the  recent success of Team Nigeria at the Para Grand Prix in Tunisia to the intentional support the National Sports Commission, NSC, is giving to the country’s Para-Sports.

    These were the remarks of the PCN President, Sunday Odebode, as he revelled in the performance of the country’s Para-athletes in Tunisia, where Nigeria finished second overall out of 42 countries that featured at the competition.

    He said:“ The NSC under the leadership of the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon Bukola Olopade, has taken the support given to people living with disabilities to another level

    ” We have never had it this good in the past where the Commission is not only supporting us financially but also assisting us in every technical way to succeed both with our international competitions and domestic ones”.

    ” This is why to whom much is given, much is expected and the athletes did not disappoint in Tunisia and made the country proud with their performance. It will also interest us to know that because of their outing in Tunisia, Nigeria was able to secure  qualification for the World Championship in India later this year and also booked various Spots to the Commonwealth Games and the Los Angeles Olympic Games.”

    Read Also: Remo Stars unveil winners of jersey design challenge

    Odebode also salutes the Commission for the smooth funding of its program and camping which are all geared towards podium finish in both next year’s Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics games.

    ” The Commission has also made our various programs very easy to execute because of the attention and funding we are currently getting from them. If you observe, the Para-lifters just concluded their trials. We discovered 10 new athletes there and they will now be going to Santiago, Chile for the World tournament.

    ” And the Para- athletes will open their camp this month also. We also have Wheelchair basketball also preparing for the Commonwealth Games and our Para-Swimmers are also opening camp this month. All of these wouldn’t have been possible if not for the new funding approach of the NSC,” he added.

    Team Nigeria finished the championship with an impressive medal haul of 19,  out of which 10 are Gold , 6 are silver and 3 are bronze medals.

  • Ahead LA28: ‘Category A’  Elite Athletes to get NSC-approved $20,000 training grant

    Ahead LA28: ‘Category A’  Elite Athletes to get NSC-approved $20,000 training grant

    • Weightlifting quartet to receive first tranche payment  next week
    • Olopade boosts NWF contingent in Moka with $3,800 

     In the bid  to enhance podium finish  for Team Nigeria  Athletes  at the  Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Games  otherwise known as LA28, National Sports Commission (NSC), has  approved  an impressive sum of $20,000 USD as  the annual training grants for  athletes  on the A Category of its  Elite Programme of the Elite Athletes and Podium Board of the Commission.

    The NSC in February inaugurated the  Yusuf Ali-led Elite Athletes and Podium Board of the Commission with the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, saying  ‘the board has been established to solve all the lingering problems that are always associated with Nigerian athletes and their performances at major international competitions’.

    As a morale booster to Team Nigeria’s  lifters at the on-going  2025 Africa Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius, the  DG of the NSC , Honourable Bukola Olapade, yesterday  revealed  that  each athlete in the A Category on Elite Board would henceforth receive $20,000 USD as training grants , adding that  four out of the six lifters in Moka for the  continental  championships who are on that exclusive list  would from next week  receive their  first tranche payment.  

    Olopade who is in Mauritius to boost the team’s morale at the championship, a  personal  donation of Three Thousand, Eight Hundred Dollars ( $3800USD ) to athletes and officials during a meeting  with the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF)  contingent , even as he noted that the  women’s quartet of  Onome Didih, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal , Omolola Matthew and Sarah Ovayioza have been shortlisted for training grants.

    ” I bring you greetings from the Chairman of the Commission Mallam Shehu Dikko, who is the father of Sports in Nigeria,” Olapade was quoted  as  saying in a NSC Bulleting shared with NationSports.” He actually told me that I should remind you that weightlifting is part of the sport that as a country, we have a competitive edge as far as Africa and the World is concerned, so you must try to win a lot of medals here in Mauritius”.

    Read Also: NPFL  hammer falls on  El-Kanemi with N3.5m fine

    ” Therefore my slogan for you here in Mauritius is, more Gold , more money. As you are winning, you are getting your alert.”

    He added: ” I am also glad to inform you all that four of you have been shortlisted into the A Category of the Elite Programme of the Elite Athletes and Podium Board of the Commission and will get 20,000 Dollars each as your annual training grants. And by next week, the four of you will get 5000 Dollars each as part of your training grants.

    ” Your welfare is very paramount to us and it is a core mandate of the Commission under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to prioritise the welfare and well-being of our Elite Athletes.

    ” With this, you guys can now concentrate on your preparations without any distractions for the Commonwealth Games, the World Championship and ultimately the Olympic Games,” he concluded.

  • NSC rallies  support for D’Tigers  ahead of Afrobasket Qualifiers

    NSC rallies  support for D’Tigers  ahead of Afrobasket Qualifiers

    The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has urged Nigeria’s Senior Men’s Basketball Team, D’Tigers, to put up a strong and committed performance at the final window of the Afrobasket Qualifiers in Libya. 

    Through the support of the NSC, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) successfully facilitated the team’s arrival in Tripoli for the crucial qualifiers. 

    “I am sure the NBBF and the coaching crew have selected a very strong and technically balanced squad for the country, blending both foreign-based and home-based players,”  Olopade said.

    “Basketball is one of our traditional sports as a country, and we have had tremendous success over the years. It is, therefore, essential to continue giving it the attention it deserves from the Commission.” 

    Read Also: 60th Founders’ Day Anniversary: Ogun Commissioner stresses importance of sports in youth development

    He also emphasized the NSC’s broader commitment to developing all sports, under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko. 

    “At the Commission, I want to reiterate that the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and I are fully committed to the growth of all sports, and we will continue to exemplify this through proper preparations for all our national teams at international competitions.” 

    “There has been a paradigm shift since the rebirth of the Sports Commission, with detailed attention given to every sport. We demonstrated this with cricket when our U-19 girls played at the World Cup in Malaysia earlier this year and, more recently, with badminton at the All Africa Championship in Cameroon, among others.” 

    The DG also called on Nigerians to rally behind D’Tigers, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to embody the competitive spirit that defines Nigerian sports. 

    Nigeria’s final 12-man squad for the qualifiers in Tripoli will be led by two Olympians—Caleb Agada and team captain Ike Nwamu—as they battle for a place in the Afrobasket tournament. 

  • NSC, NFF meet  on  proposed  Abuja hotel, training pitch site

    NSC, NFF meet  on  proposed  Abuja hotel, training pitch site

    President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau , yesterday conducted the Chairman of National Sports Commission Mallam Shehu Dikko round the proposed site for the NFF Hotel and new training pitch, which is adjacent the NFF Headquarters inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

    This ambitious project is designed to establish a state-of-the-art accommodation facility intended specifically for the national football teams.

    The vision behind the proposed hotel, which has been a project close to the heart of the Ibrahim Gusau administration since it took office 28 months ago, is to free the NFF of the humongous expenses incurred regularly in accommodating the different National Teams. In drastically reducing expenses on accommodation, the football-governing body intends to redirect such funds towards more critical areas, such as nurturing local football talent and bolstering the overall infrastructure of Nigeria football.

    During the site inspection, Mallam Dikko and NFF President Gusau evaluated multiple aspects of the location under consideration. Key factors included the ease of accessibility for both players and support staff, the level of security provided by the surrounding area, and the proximity of the site to essential training facilities.

    Read Also: NFF, Lagos SWAN mourn veteran journalist Dapo Sotuminu

    Their discussions extended beyond site assessment, as they also strategized about the project’s overall timeline, budget considerations, and the potential for partnerships with private investors or corporate entities that might be interested in supporting the laudable initiative.

    They were in company with top NFF officials including the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi and Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, as well as principal aides of the NSC supremo, including Barr. Musa Amadu (former NFF General Secretary) and Mallam Salihu Abubakar.

    The NFF National Teams Hotel project is in alignment with the overarching mission of the NSC, which is to promote and enhance the development of sports across Nigeria.

    As the principal authority entrusted with regulating sports in the nation, the NSC is dedicated to endorsing programs and initiatives that bolster Nigeria’s sporting framework.

  • NSC:  Reps members applaud Tinubu over budgetary allocation for sports

    NSC:  Reps members applaud Tinubu over budgetary allocation for sports

    Chairman  of House of Representatives Committee on Sports , Honourable Kabiru Amadu , has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR over the creation of the National Sports Commission (NSC) , adding  the budgetary  allocation for sports in the 2025 is unprecedented.

    Amadu said as much  during the  commission’s  budget defense and  pointed out that sports had never had it this good.

    He said: “The allocation to sports is unprecedented. Sports had never gotten this type of attention in the budget. We must  congratulate and applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his vision, support  and clear interest to get the sport sector going and be a major driver of Nigerian economy as we see happening across the globe.

    “I must also commend you Mr. Chairman of the NSC for the efforts, commitment and professionalism you put in to get this increment to sports and the work you have been doing so far in delivering your mandate. This is the first time we are having such in Nigeria.

    Read Also: GTI salutes  NFF, Lookman, others on CAF Awards

    “There are many firsts in this budget. For instance, this is the first time we are having funds allocated for the Sports Federations whom are the engine room of the sports developers and likewise preparations for Olympics, Commonwealth Games, grassroots and talent  identification, schools sports as well as key infrastructure projects to provide the foundation to advance sports to the level we all desired.”

    Very noteworthy is the proposed Anti-doping Laboratory to be constructed in Nigeria. A project that according to the NSC  Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, will, in addition to its statutory activities, be a huge revenue generator.

    The NSC helmsman also listed some of the highpoints of the budget thus; Funds for the renovation of the MKO Abiola Stadium which, according to him, except the pitch resurfacing funded by Dangote in 2021, had never undergone any repairs since completion in 2003 and  still required further improvements as most of the facilities are obsolete.

    Others are completion of the three-star 200 room athletes hotel  which should also open further streams of income in tandem with the sports economy; the high performance centre; a first-of-its-kind budget line for Olympics and Commonwealth Games preparations; grassroots sports development, as well as the Anti-doping Laboratory.

    He noted that the guiding document for the budget is the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) which will be driven by the three Rs namely Reset, Refocus and Relaunch.

    The Houses of representatives committee unanimously expressed their  satisfaction with the budget defence presentation by the NSC chairman and assured the NSC of all the necessary support and alignment as well as the relevant oversight to ensure success of the budget implementation.

  • NSC unveils ‘Renewed Hope’ initiatives  for sports  development

    NSC unveils ‘Renewed Hope’ initiatives  for sports  development

    The National Sports Commission (NSC) has unveiled the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), to transform the nation’s sports industry.

    The NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, disclosed this in a statement  yesterday in Abuja.

    RHINSE aims to transform sports through the Reset, Refocus, and Re-launch (RRR) initiative, and to reset Nigeria’s Sports echo-system from Competition-driven to a Developmental-driven/value addition Industry.

    The strategy brief, signed by the NSC Chairman, is designed to establish sports as a vital driver of Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and development.

    The Commission had set an objective and roadmap to unlock the potential of the sports economy by revitalising infrastructure and fostering grassroots development.

    The roadmap is hinged on developing school sports and professional academy programmes.

    It will also focus on promoting private sector engagement and investment in sports and sustainable credible participation across all competition.

    Dikko expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to elevating sports in the country in line with international best practices.

     “RHINSE initiative is not just about investing in infrastructure but about redefining sports as a national asset thus entitled to all the requisite special support, concessions and legal frameworks to drive growth.

    “It is a tool for unity, cultural promotion, and economic growth, with the potential to uplift millions of our youth and communities across the country,” he said.

    The NSC boss noted that the 2025 budget has an unprecedented capital proposal of over N78 billion for sports with the sole objective to jumpstart the sports economy.

    Dikko explained that the capital budget would cater for sports infrastructure development, establishment of an Anti-Doping Laboratory, among others.

    Read Also: Napoli boss blamed over Osimhen’s transfer  fiasco

    He explained that the RHINSE initiative is anchored on institutional repositioning, restructuring of sports federations, grassroots development, and private sector collaboration.

    He said:  “Projected outcome from the implementation of the RHINSE programme is to situate sports as key component of Nigeria Economy and social fabric.

     “This will contribute at least 3% of GDP, creating and sustaining at least three million jobs across the sports value chain (direct, indirect and induced sports jobs).

     “(It is expected to dominate) global sports talent export market, earning foreign exchange into the county and reinvest in developing the system.”

     “The initiative will also enable private sector participation and investment to complement government’s efforts.

     “This will ensure credible participation across all international competitions, infrastructure provision and development to advance professional sustainable development and hosting of international tournaments and competitions and indeed social impact,” Dikko said.

  • ANOCA President applauds Tinubu on NSC appointments

    ANOCA President applauds Tinubu on NSC appointments

    The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) President, Mustapha Berra, has applauded President Bola  Tinubu for entrusting Nigerian sports in the hands of professionals.

    Represented by  ANOCA Finance Director Jonathan Dyagas at Monday’s Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Virtual  Annual General Assembly, Berra was quoted as saying  that President Tinubu has indeed put round pegs in round holes  with the appointments of Mallam Shehu Dikko  and Honourable Bukola Olapade as chairman and Director General of the NSC respectively.  

    “May I use this opportunity to congratulate the chairman and DG of National Sports Commission for your well-deserved appointment. I am particularly glad that you are all involved in sports administration. I believe this should pilot Nigerian sports to a higher level. I wish you a successful tenure”, he said.

    Meanwhile, Berra also brought good tidings to the Olympic movement in Nigeria as per preparations towards the 2028 Olympic Games to be held in Los Angeles, USA. 

    Read Also: NPFL:  Relegation-troubled Akwa United  break  Heartland in Uyo

    “Your participation at the various Games has contributed to the overall success of the Games. I am delighted to inform you that ANOCA has doubled its athletes scholarship budget for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Fifteen top-ranking athletes in Olympics sports will be awarded scholarships by ANOCA. It is our belief that this will encourage our athletes and enable more African athletes to qualify for the 2028 Olympics. Be assured that ANOCA is available to provide every support that Nigeria will require to succeed at the 2028 Olympics. This is the time for Nigeria to start preparing immediately for the LA Olympics”, he proffered.

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Olympic Committee’s President,  Engr. Habu, Gumel had listed the forthcoming events under the purview of Committee as follows; Islamic Solidarity Games (2025), ANOCA Youth Games (2025/26), Youth Olympic Games (2025), Glasgow Commonwealth Games (2026), All African Games (2027), Los Angeles Olympics (2028).

    The highpoint of the NOC AGA  was a standing ovation accorded the NSC leadership as championed by Gumel. 

    “We welcome the Sports Commission back at the helm of our sports, particularly the chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and DG, Bukola Olopade. We give them a standing ovation for what they are doing within a short period of time. Though this is virtual, we will rise and give you a standing ovation to show that we are solidly behind you in all your plans. We sincerely thank the president for the support he is giving both of you. We have no doubt that you will succeed,” Gumel noted. 

  • NSC to cut down cargo cost with expansion of rail lines across Nigeria – Akutah

    NSC to cut down cargo cost with expansion of rail lines across Nigeria – Akutah

    The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) said it is making strategic moves to reduce cargo costs nationwide by expanding rail lines.

    Executive Secretary of the Council, Pius Akutah, disclosed this during his maiden visit to Kaduna, where he interacted with council staff and members of the Kaduna State Shippers Association (KSSA).

    Akutah reiterated that rail transportation remains the most efficient and cost-effective method for moving goods from the hinterland to seaports.

    He said: “Rail transportation is the best and most effective, and it is the cheapest means of transporting cargoes from the hinterland to the seaport.”

    He disclosed that, as part of moves towards expanding the rail lines across Nigeria, the NSC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC).

    “The benefit of the MOU signed with the Nigerian Railway Corporation is that we will keep pushing for the expansion of rail lines and systems across the country for the benefit of the shippers. This will reduce the price and charges of cargo shipment across the country,” Akutah said. 

    Akutah also revealed that discussions were ongoing with the Federal Government to repair and exclusively utilize the old light gauge rail lines for cargo movement.

    He acknowledged the high cost of rail infrastructure development but emphasized its importance for the nation’s economic growth.

    He also commended the role of shippers associations, describing them as crucial partners in the council’s efforts to safeguard traders’ interests and support trade activities across Nigeria.

    Akutah assured that the NSC is committed to strengthening the national body of shippers’ associations to ensure they continue their commendable work in the sector.

    The Council boss also visited the Kaduna Inland Dry Port where he discussed the review of its operations towards addressing its existing challenges, to ensure that the Port effectively meets the needs of Nigerian shippers and to resolve any issues hindering its full potential.

    Akutah identified several minor but crucial challenges impacting the Port’s efficiency, with a notable concern being the pending legal framework regarding liability, and emphasized the need to expedite legislative processes.

    The Executive Secretary noted that there is a directive from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola to resolve these issues promptly. “We must ensure that the bill pending before the National Assembly is passed within record time.”

    Read Also: We’ve saved Nigeria billions of Naira – NSC

    Meanwhile, fielding questions from journalists, the Managing Director of Kaduna Inland Dry Port, Mr. Omotayo Dada, confirmed that the Port is operational and ready to assist shippers

    Dada expressed satisfaction with the government’s and regulatory agencies’ support and shared confidence in the Port’s capacity to expand its operations.

    “The truth of the matter is that the Port can do much more than it is currently doing. With the support from the NSC and ongoing discussions, there is no doubt that many good things are on the horizon,” Dada noted. 

    He however assured that the Port is well-equipped for business, boasting facilities such as cold rooms and laboratories. “We have cold rooms, laboratories, and much more. We are a port ready for business,” he emphasised.

  • We’ve saved Nigeria billions of Naira – NSC

    We’ve saved Nigeria billions of Naira – NSC

    The Executive Secretary (ES) of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akutah, said it has saved Nigeria from spending billions of Naira by performing its statutory roles and functions.

    Akutah said this on Sunday at a maiden visit to Kaduna to interact with the council’s staff and the State Shippers Association (KSSA)

    He said that the council’s dispute resolution mechanism was effective and it has bolstered its operations.

    According to Akutah, complaints such as loss of cargoes and charges accompanied by it from owners, among other issues, were handled professionally and resolved by the council.

    He also said that revamping the rail transportation, which was on course by the President Bola Tinubu administration would go a long way in ensuring a viable means of moving cargoes from the sea port to land.

    Akutah said, “Rail transportation is the best and most effective and cheaper means of transporting cargoes from the hinterland to the sea port.”

    He recalled that the council and the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) had signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance rail transport integration in ports.

    Akutah explained that the collaboration was aimed at tackling the challenges of rail transportation costs and promote the use of rail systems for efficient cargo movement.

    The executive secretary disclosed that there were ongoing discussions by the Federal Government on the repair and use of the old light gauge, which would be dedicated for cargo movements alone.

    He stated that, however expensive the rail system was, it was crucial to build rail lines, extolling efforts to revamp them by the Federal Government.

    Describing the shippers association as a critical component of what the council does, he said, they protect their interests to ensure they are very strong and work to support the activities of trade in the country.

    Akutah said, “We are working to see how the national body of the shippers association is put together so they continue the good work they are doing.”

    Speaking on the Cargo Defence Fund (CDF), he said the initiative provides comprehensive legal and technical support to importers and exporters.

    They include services like litigation loans, foreign legal representation, and risk management advice.

    He added that the CDF would ensure that cargoes were protected and business thrived.

    Akutah also commented on the Bill for an Act to repeal the NSC Act and enact the Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill and Related Matter.

    He said it aims to empower the NSC to effectively regulate the shipping industry, protect the interests of shippers, and promote economic growth.

    According to him, the proposed legislation would bring about the much-needed transparency, accountability, and efficiency to the sector.

    It will also strengthen the council’s regulatory powers, reducing costs, increasing competition, and improving service delivery.

    Akutah reassured the association of Tinubu’s commitment in giving the country a brand new maritime sector that does not deal only with maritime activities but beyond the blue economy.


    Also, the the President of the KSSA, Augustine Achilike, said the NSC in state has over the years, performed extremely well especially in the development of Inland Dry Port (IDP) and bringing shipping to their doorstep.

    He added that the council has conducted over six massive awareness seminars and workshop on the importance of trade facilitation in the hinterland and neighboring countries.

    Read Also: Low turnout as Osun protesters, NSCDC operative observed Jumat on street

    Achilike also said that IDP has formed all clearing facilities and government agencies that their members need not to go to Lagos port to clear goods.

    He equally said their major challenge was the revitalisation of the railway system, which would reduce cost, time and increase volumes in their business.

    Achilike also solicited for an office by the council to assist in their operations, programmes and registration activities.

    The president also urged the council to activate the national association  for them to speak in one voice and
    support the NSC policy.

    He thanked Akuteh for the visit, stressing that it would go along way in boosting their morale to do more for development of shippers and the economy of the nation in general.

    (NAN)