The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has commended the Nigerian Customs Service for its significant contributions and unwavering support toward sports development in the country. He also reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to transforming sports into a major economic hub for Nigeria.
Speaking in his office while receiving members of the Nigerian Customs Service, led by the Comptroller General, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi recently, the Chairman stated that the primary goal of the Commission is to harness the economic potential of sports through the sports industry.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Renewed Hope Agenda, has declared sports a national asset, and we are aligned with that vision. To achieve this, we must ensure the functionality and success of the sports industry,”
“We need to measure our progress in sports through the development we achieve internally, the jobs we create, and our contribution to the country’s GDP. That way, we know the sports industry is succeeding.” He said
The Chairman emphasized that under his leadership, the Commission is working tirelessly to actualize this vision. He revealed ongoing plans to rebuild sports infrastructure across the country and make sports more appealing to private sector investment.
“The President has already taken the first step by allocating resources for rebuilding infrastructure nationwide to promote domestic sports development, and we are aligned with this priority,” he added.
The Chairman of National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko (middle) flanked to his right by the Comptroller General of Custom, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel during the visit of Customs CG to NSC office in Abuja
Dikko praised the Nigerian Customs for their relentless efforts in ensuring their sports teams and clubs remain active in competitions, thereby providing platforms for athletes to excel.
He noted that if other agencies and organizations followed suit, Nigerian sports would witness tremendous growth.
“This is the framework we are working on and seeking to activate. I am pleased that, even without prior discussions, the Customs have already aligned with the President’s vision,” he said.
While congratulating the Customs Service on securing the hosting rights for the African Women Interclub Volleyball Championship, the Chairman encouraged them to align with the Commission’s plans to establish Centers of Excellence for sports in various zones and tertiary institutions. These centers would focus on grooming young talents and setting up sports academies, a commitment already embraced by the Nigerian Police Force.
Dikko assured the Customs of the Commission’s support to ensure the success of the tournament. He also called for closer collaboration between the Commission and the Customs to promote the use of locally made sports equipment, stressing that it is a vital aspect of the sports industry agenda.
Earlier in his remarks, Comptroller General Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi informed the Chairman about the hosting rights secured by Nigeria for the African Women Interclub Volleyball Championship, scheduled to take place from April 1 to 14 2025.
The Comptroller General highlighted that the event organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Volleyball Federation, aims to deliver an impressive hosting experience.
He solicited the Commission’s support to achieve this goal.
The Chairman of National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko flanked to the right by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Custom, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi during the courtesy visit of the Nigeria Custom to the NSC office at MKO Abiola Stadium, in Abuja on Monday, 27th January, 202
Alhaji Bashir commended President Tinubu for appointing Mallam Dikko, urging him to leverage his wealth of experience to transform Nigerian sports and restore its former glory.
As a show of support for sports development, The Comptroller General, on behalf of the Nigerian Customs Service, pledged to donate buses to the Commission to encourage and facilitate athletes’ activities.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel, lauded the Customs Service for accepting the responsibility of hosting the championship. He emphasized that the event would significantly uplift Nigeria’s image across the continent.
This partnership underscores the shared commitment of key stakeholders to revitalizing sports in Nigeria and positioning the industry as a pillar of economic growth
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Kehinde Ajayi (Mrs.) the Director (Information and PR) of the National Sports Commission NSC
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