Policy and governance
We develop national sports policies and set standards for competitions, ethics and compliance.
About the commission
Building Nigeria's sporting future
The National Sports Commission (NSC) is the Federal Government agency responsible for sports development in Nigeria. We formulate, implement and monitor the policies and programmes that grow sport and physical fitness across the country, from grassroots to elite level.
Sport in Nigeria should be an avenue for better health, the expression of talent and skill, and the alleviation of poverty.
- Since
- 1962
- Zonal offices
- 6
- Departments & units
- 12 & 3
Our work
What we do
Nine ways the Commission develops athletes, facilities and the sports economy across the country.
Sports infrastructure
We plan, build, maintain and upgrade Federal sports facilities to international standards.
Talent development
We identify and nurture athletes, and support coaches and sports administrators.
Participation
We encourage mass participation in sport and organise competitions at local, national and international levels.
Partnerships
We work with federations, clubs, the private sector and international sports bodies.
Research and innovation
We promote sports science and new approaches to training, management and infrastructure.
Funding and investment
We secure funding and attract private-sector sponsorship and investment.
Sport as business
We develop policies that unlock the economic potential of sport.
Public awareness
We promote sport as a tool for health, national unity and youth empowerment.
Since 1962
Our history
Government involvement in Nigerian sport dates back to 1962, when the National Sports Council was established. Since then, responsibility for sport has moved between ministries and the National Sports Commission many times.
National Sports Commission eras
Frequent changes in the administration of sport have held back its growth in Nigeria. The Commission's current structure aims to provide stable, accountable leadership for the sector.
Our mandate
To formulate, implement, monitor and evaluate policies and programmes on sports development, towards wealth creation, youth empowerment, physical fitness and wellbeing, sporting excellence, national unity and sustainable development.
Where we are going
Vision
Sport as a strategic tool for national unity, job creation, and a significant driver of revenue and GDP growth.
How we get there
Mission
To bring life back into Nigerian sport, restore the joy of following sport to families, and make sport a source of national cohesion and livelihood for everyone who takes part.
Our 2027 economic target
- Of GDP
- 5%
- Annual net revenue
- US$0–0bn
What guides us
Core values
The principles that guide every decision, every programme and every athlete we support.
- 01
Fair Play
Integrity in every arena.
- 02
Social Justice
Sport that serves everyone.
- 03
Equality
A level field for all.
- 04
Self-Reliance
Capacity built to endure.
- 05
Discipline
Standards without compromise.
Priorities
Our Focus Areas
Where we’re investing our energy to build a stronger, more prosperous sports sector
- 01
Reform the sports sector to deliver inclusive economic growth, including the welfare of active and retired athletes.
- 02
Invest in education, health and social programmes so sport can run profitably and attract investment.
- 03
Improve sporting infrastructure to transform and grow the sports industry.
- 04
Accelerate sports industrialisation to create jobs through the digital economy and technology.
- 05
Use sport to strengthen national security by actively engaging young people.
- 06
Improve governance for effective service delivery in sport.
Leadership through the years
Past & present ministers
Since 1962, Nigerian sport has been led by 35 ministers, commissioners and chairmen.
Current head of the Commission
Shehu Dikko
Chairman, National Sports Commission
Shehu Dikko leads the National Sports Commission, overseeing the development of sport across Nigeria from grassroots to elite level. A seasoned sports administrator, he brings extensive experience in football governance and league management to the Commission’s mission of making sport a driver of national unity, job creation and economic growth.
Recent heads of sports administration
2015–2019
Barr. Solomon Selcap Dalung
Minister of Youth & Sports Development
2014–2015
Dr. Tamuno Danagogo
Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission
2015–2019
Mal. Bolaji Abdullahi
Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission
Places to perform
Our Facilities
We manage and develop Federal sporting facilities across Nigeria, from national stadia to high-altitude training centres.
