Daniel Otera
Niger State has formally declared its intention to host the 2028 National Sports Festival, setting the stage for a high-stakes race among contenders from across Nigeria.
The state’s bid was unveiled at the Government House in Minna on Monday during an Executive Council meeting, where the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Yahaya Ibrahim Gulbin Boka, submitted the proposal alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Nuhu Garba Ngaski.
Governor Umaru Bago received the bid document and samples of newly designed Team Niger tracksuits, signalling a serious push by his administration to bring the biennial games to the North-Central state.
“This is a strategic move to position Niger State as a hub for talent development and sports tourism in Nigeria,” said Boka. “We have the facilities, the will, and the hospitality.”
The National Sports Festival, which debuted in Lagos in 1973, is widely regarded as Nigeria’s premier grassroots sports competition. Held every two years, the event draws athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, serving as a pipeline for Olympic talent and a showcase of national unity through sport.
Niger now joins Kano, Kaduna, Bayelsa and Plateau in the running for the 24th edition of the games, scheduled for December 2028.
Although Kaduna is seen as the frontrunner, having previously hosted the festival in 1977 and 2009, Niger believes it offers a fresh and compelling alternative.
“We’re not bidding for prestige,” Bago said. “We’re bidding to create opportunities for our youth and to spotlight Niger on the national stage.”
If successful, Niger would become only the fifth northern state to host the festival in its 55-year history. Previous northern hosts include Kaduna, Bauchi, Kwara and Benue. Southern states have historically dominated the hosting roster, including Lagos, Rivers, Edo, Delta and Ogun.
The 22nd edition was held in May 2025 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with President Bola Tinubu officially opening the games. Enugu State has already secured hosting rights for the 23rd edition in 2026.
Niger’s bid aims to capitalise on the state’s expanding sports infrastructure and Governor Bago’s youth-focused agenda. The administration hopes that securing the 2028 festival will not only boost local morale but also drive investment in sports and tourism across the region.
The journal gathered that Kano, Kaduna and Bayelsa are also preparing competitive bids. The final decision is expected to be made by the Federal Ministry of Sports and the National Council on Sports after a formal evaluation of submitted proposals.