By Daniel Edu
Senator John Owan Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, has announced that the Federal Government has granted approval for the full implementation of the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP).
Addressing a news conference in Abuja on Saturday, Senator Enoh outlined that the NSIP offers an opportunity for corporate and private sector involvement in the development of sports in the country.
He emphasized the commitment of the current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to bring about positive change across all sectors, with sports playing a pivotal role in this plan.
The NSIP, initially approved during the previous administration, has received endorsement by the present administration with the aim of enhancing sports development.
Senator Enoh underscored that the primary objective of the policy is to promote sports as a business, rather than just a recreational activity.
He explained that an inter-ministerial committee was established during the previous administration, consisting of the Ministries of Sports, Finance, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, to reach an agreement on a series of incentives, awaiting government approval.
These incentives are designed to encourage private sector investment and support for sports in the country, aligning with global practices where private sector involvement plays a significant role in sports funding.
Senator Enoh emphasized the importance of the Ministry marketing sports to the private sector to foster national development.
He highlighted the ministry’s aim to regain the days when the private sector was a major contributor to sports in the country.
