NSC Concludes Elections for 18 Sports Federations, New Presidents Inaugurated for Four-Year Term

NSC Concludes Elections for 18 Sports Federations, New Presidents Inaugurated for Four-Year Term

By Niyi Busari 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has successfully conducted elections across 18 national sports federations, ushering in a new era of leadership for Nigerian sports. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, marking the beginning of a four-year tenure for the newly elected presidents and board members.

The elections, described as transparent and peaceful, produced new leaders who are expected to drive growth, accountability, and innovation across their respective federations.

Dikko Urges New Leaders to Prioritize Innovation and Accountability

Speaking during the inauguration, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, congratulated the newly elected members and described their emergence as “a call to service, innovation, and national development through sports.”

Dikko urged the new boards to work collaboratively with athletes, coaches, and administrators, emphasizing unity, transparency, and sustainable progress. “This responsibility is not ceremonial. We expect active, innovative, and results-driven leaders who can transform investments into tangible outcomes — from athlete development and good governance to infrastructure utilisation and grassroots engagement,” he said.

He further highlighted the importance of building capacity, promoting integrity, and upholding anti-doping standards as part of Nigeria’s broader sports reform agenda.

Olopade Commends Electoral Process and Calls for Visionary Leadership

The Director-General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, commended the electoral committee and commission directors for conducting a credible and transparent process. He also praised outgoing board members for their service and contributions to Nigerian sports.

Olopade reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to sports development through improved infrastructure, athlete welfare, and youth-focused initiatives. Addressing the new board members, he emphasized that their duties go beyond administration.

“Your responsibility is to develop competitive athletes, strengthen governance structures, engage the grassroots, and create economic value through sports. Serve with integrity, lead with vision, and ensure sustainability in all that you do,” Olopade charged.

He also encouraged the new leaders to set measurable goals and maintain transparency and accountability in their operations.

Stakeholders Praise NSC Leadership

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, commended the Federal Government and the NSC leadership for their visionary direction and policies that have advanced Nigerian sports. He also lauded the electoral committee for a job well done.

Similarly, Uyi Akpata, President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, praised the NSC for its consistent support for grassroots development, noting that this focus has become a model across all federations.

Kickboxing Federation Election Postponed

Meanwhile, elections into the Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria were suspended and will be conducted at a later date, according to the NSC.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring good governance, transparency, and efficiency across all sports federations, promising continuous support to help the new boards achieve measurable progress in the coming years.