By Muhammad Mamman
— President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a major overhaul of Nigeria’s sports funding framework, directing that the sector be better financed and more strategically managed starting with the 2026 fiscal year. 
In a message on his official social media platform on Friday evening, Tinubu described sports as one of Nigeria’s “strongest national brands” and a key tool for national unity and international recognition. 
Under the new directive, the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Budget Office of the Federation have been tasked with resetting how sports is funded, ensuring adequate budgetary provisions for infrastructure, elite development, domestic programmes and participation in international competitions are made annually. 
Tinubu highlighted long-standing problems in the sector, including bureaucratic delays, fragmented funding allocations and insufficient investment in facilities and preparation — obstacles he said have undermined Nigerian athletes’ performance on the global stage. 
To address these issues, funding currently spread across multiple government agencies will be reviewed and streamlined into a unified framework under the National Sports Commission (NSC). Funds will be released promptly once the annual budget is passed and assented to, the presidency said. 
The reforms are part of the government’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which aims to harness sports as a driver of job creation, tourism, investment and enhanced global influence. 
Officials also highlighted Nigeria’s strong sporting achievements in 2025, including medals across various disciplines and notable team performances, as evidence of the nation’s potential when athletes receive proper support. 
Sports analysts and stakeholders welcomed the directive as a long-awaited step toward giving Nigerian sports the financial stability and strategic planning needed to compete more effectively on the international stage.
