The Digest:
President Bola Tinubu has directed a fundamental reset of the federal government's sports funding framework, ordering that all appropriated funds be released immediately upon the passage and assent of the annual budget. In a statement, the President mandated the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Budget Office to ensure "adequate provisions" for Nigeria's participation in international tournaments, sporting activities, and infrastructure development starting from the 2026 fiscal year. He criticized the previous cycle of delayed and fragmented funding, which he said undermined athlete performance and led to protests, such as the recent Super Eagles incident at AFCON 2025. Tinubu stated that the new policy aims to provide certainty, support thorough preparation, and ensure Nigerian athletes are "supported early, prepared thoroughly, and celebrated proudly."
Key Points:
- The directive seeks to eliminate bureaucratic delays that have historically hampered sports preparation and athlete welfare.
- It aims to prevent recurrent scandals and protests by national teams over unpaid allowances and poor funding.
- The policy shift recognizes sports as a priority sector requiring predictable and timely financial commitment.
- It responds to longstanding criticisms of underinvestment in sports infrastructure and program development.
- The move is intended to boost Nigeria's competitiveness and morale in international sporting events.
Tinubu's order represents a significant policy intervention designed to overhaul sports administration and financing, aiming to restore stability and ambition to Nigerian athletics.
Sources: Vanguard, Guardian
