Mathew Amaechi
In a significant step towards actualizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sports economy mandate, the National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, held a strategic meeting with the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), at the NSC Secretariat.
The discussion focused on fostering collaboration to advance sports development, unlock economic potential, and align with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy (RHINES).
Key among the discussions was the upcoming African Women Volleyball Inter-clubs Championship, which Nigeria will host in Abuja from April 1 to 14, 2025.The NCS secured the hosting rights, outbidding Morocco, Egypt, and Tanzania, and is committed to ensuring a successful event. The Customs Volleyball Club will represent Nigeria at the tournament.
Mallam Dikko emphasized the NSC’s support for the championship, stating, “Hosting international tournaments aligns with our vision to improve sporting infrastructure, create jobs, and boost the sports economy. These events keep our facilities in use and foster economic activity, as we witnessed at the recent horse racing tournament in Bida.
The NSC Chairman also urged the NCS to establish a Customs Sports Academy to align with the Commission’s grassroots development strategy.
“An academy will help discover fresh talents, who can be nurtured in our centers of excellence. The Nigeria Police Force is already on this path,” he added.
CGC Adeniyi affirmed NCS’s commitment to supporting NSC programs, pledging resources such as buses to ease athletes’ movement. He noted that the collaboration would enable NCS to fulfill its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives while contributing to Nigeria’s sports development.
The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, commended President Tinubu for restoring the National Sports Commission and appointing technocrats like Mallam Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade to drive reforms.The partnership between NSC and NCS marks a significant milestone in advancing Nigeria’s sports economy and grassroots sports development, with a joint technical and project delivery team to ensure seamless implementation.