By Sylvanus Ofekun
The House Committee on Sports has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a substantial increase in the 2025 budget allocation for sports, which has risen dramatically from ₦29 billion in 2024 to over ₦94 billion. This 227% increase was discussed during a budget defense session on Tuesday at the National Assembly in Abuja, where the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the National Institute for Sports presented their proposals.
Honourable Kabiru Amadu, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, praised the President for prioritizing sports development through the increased funding. He stated, “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has tripled the budget for sports from ₦29,082,369,979 in 2024 to ₦94,947,006,325 in 2025. This 227% increase is a commendable stride in advancing the sports sector.”
Representing the Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency, Honourable Amadu expressed confidence that the increased budget would mark a turning point for the development and management of sports in Nigeria. He emphasized that the funds would address critical challenges, including the decaying infrastructure of national stadiums, financial constraints faced by over 40 sports federations, and the need for sustainable development plans.
“This increased funding will tackle issues such as dilapidated sports facilities, inadequate financial support for federations, and the absence of long-term development strategies. It will also enhance training programs to improve Nigeria’s performance in sports,” he noted.
Honourable Amadu assured stakeholders, including the NSC, NFF, and the National Sports Institute, of the National Assembly’s full support in ensuring that the allocated funds are easily accessed. He highlighted the importance of this collaboration in fostering grassroots sports development.
“The House Committee on Sports is committed to supporting the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the National Sports Institute in accessing the federal government’s funds. This partnership is vital for advancing sports across Nigeria,” he concluded.
This unprecedented budget increase underscores the federal government’s dedication to revitalizing the sports sector and positioning Nigeria for greater success on the international stage.
