Tinubu orders timely release of sports funds, pledges overhaul of funding framework

President Bola Tinubu has approved a major reform of Nigeria’s sports financing system, directing that funds for sporting activities and infrastructure be adequately budgeted and released promptly starting from the 2026 fiscal year.

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Tinubu said the move was designed to end years of delayed funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and poor infrastructure that have undermined athletes’ preparation and performance.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s achievements in 2025, he praised athletes for winning 373 medals across continental and global competitions.

“In 2025, from individual champions in athletics and other sports to our winning female football and basketball teams, as well as the Super Eagles who, despite their bronze medal at AFCON 2025, captured our hearts, scores of athletes representing Nigeria made our nation proud,” Tinubu said.

He described sports as one of Nigeria’s strongest national brands, uniting citizens across ethnic and religious divides.

READ ALSO: NGX ROUNDUP: Equities market enjoys bountiful week, investors gain N4.08tr

“Sports is one of our strongest brands as a nation. It unifies us, breaks all our fault lines, inspires belief, and builds a sense of community,” he added.

Commending the National Sports Commission under Shehu Dikko for driving reforms despite challenges, Tinubu acknowledged that chronic issues had slowed sports development.

“For too long, sports funding was slowed by bureaucracy, fragmented across institutions, and when funds are released, they come too late to support proper preparation and even participation,” he said.

To address this, Tinubu directed the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Budget Office to ensure annual provisions for sports infrastructure, programmes, events, and international participation are included in the national budget.

“All funds so appropriated are to be released immediately once the budget is passed and assented to. Nigerian athletes deserve certainty, not excuses,” he declared.

He further announced that funding currently spread across ministries and agencies would be streamlined into a unified framework under the National Sports Commission.

The reforms, anchored on the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy, aim to position sports as a driver of job creation, tourism, investment, and global influence.

“The future of Nigerian sports will be planned, properly funded, and competitive. We will support our athletes early, prepare them thoroughly, and celebrate them proudly,” Tinubu said, promising that Nigeria would continue to win globally “with pride.”

The post Tinubu orders timely release of sports funds, pledges overhaul of funding framework appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.