By Amanda Okon
The Director-General of the National Institute of Sports, Mr. Philip Shuaibu, has called for increased funding to strengthen sports development and reposition the institute in Nigeria.
Speaking during a budget defence session with the House Committee on Sports, Mr. Shuaibu highlighted that inadequate funding remains a major challenge hindering the institute’s mandate to train manpower for the sports ecosystem and promote grassroots sports development.
He stressed that a properly constituted board would provide strategic direction and institutional stability, critical for long-term growth in the sector. Mr. Shuaibu also commended President Bola Tinubu and the House Committee on Sports for their support, urging the speedy constitution of the National Sports Commission board to revitalise the sector.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Mr. Kabiru Amadu, described the poor funding of the institute as a major obstacle and emphasized the need for increased budgetary allocation to enable the NIS perform its duties effectively.
He pledged the committee’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to improve funding and ensure optimal performance.
The call for enhanced support underscores the government’s renewed focus on developing sports, nurturing talent, and promoting national and grassroots sports programs across the country.
