NSC plans N1trn fund to transform Nigeria’s sports infrastructure

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced plans to raise N1 trillion infrastructure fund to boost sports development, rehabilitate stadium facilities, and drive private sector investment across the Nigerian sports economy.

Shehu Dikko, chairman of the commission, disclosed this during a meeting with journalists in Abuja.
Dikko said the initiative forms part of efforts to reposition sports as a viable economic sector through sustainable infrastructure financing, commercial partnerships, and improved facility management.

“We are exploring innovative funding and investment models to ensure that sports infrastructure generates revenue rather than remaining dependent on government funding,” he said.

He stressed the need to make public sports facilities commercially viable by opening them up to multiple uses beyond sporting competitions.

“We have to sit down and look at how we can work together, because it is not just about the picture of the facilities, but about opening them up, making them work and generating revenue,” Dikko said.
The NSC chairman said the commission was pursuing partnerships to transform stadiums into multipurpose venues capable of hosting sporting events, conferences, entertainment programmes and other commercial activities.

He added that hotels, restaurants, conference centers, advertising platforms and retail spaces could help stadiums generate income beyond match days, creating jobs and supporting related industries.

Dikko also said the commission was exploring arrangements with investors and facility managers to complete outstanding projects and improve the commercial viability of existing infrastructure.

He noted that investment in world-class facilities would help support athletes, attract international competitions and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global sports.

The commission’s strategy also includes grassroots development, with Dikko highlighting the importance of investing in schools and community facilities to identify and nurture talent for national and international competitions.

Dikko called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, sports federations, private investors, and media partners to realise the vision of positioning Nigeria as a premier sports hub in Africa.

He further added that the NSC was working towards establishing a dedicated sports television channel to expand coverage, attract sponsorship, and create additional commercial opportunities for Nigerian sports.