Mallam Shehu Dikko, talking on behalf of the Nationwide Sports activities Fee (NSC), has outlined a long-term imaginative and prescient to make use of sports activities as a basis for opening Nigeria to wider worldwide engagement, revealing potential internet hosting ambitions for main tournaments in 2030 and 2031,
with an “early probability” probably rising in 2027. Dikko emphasised that these occasions wouldn’t be confined to the capital however can be staged throughout a number of cities to drive nationwide growth.
“We need to use sports activities as a basis to open the nation,” Dikko stated, indicating that internet hosting worldwide competitions is a part of a broader technique to spice up tourism, infrastructure and native economies.
He famous {that a} bid course of and preparatory work are underway to place Nigeria as a reputable host for large occasions, and that the NSC is assessing venues, transport hyperlinks and lodging capabilities to satisfy worldwide requirements.
Dikko pressured the intention to decentralise internet hosting plans. “We’d not simply be internet hosting these occasions in simply Abuja however in different cities throughout the nation,” he stated, arguing that dispersing occasions will create inclusive financial alternatives and infrastructural legacies past a single city centre.
The plan envisages upgrades to sporting amenities in a number of states, boosting grassroots participation and regional satisfaction.
On timing, Dikko instructed an “early probability” in 2027 that might function a stepping stone towards bigger tournaments in 2030 and 2031.
“If we will safe smaller occasions in 2027, we could have the expertise and confidence to pursue greater occasions for 2030 and 2031,” he stated. He additionally proposed phased investments to enhance stadia, coaching centres and sports activities administration capability within the interim.
Dikko underlined the position of multi-sectoral collaboration, calling for personal sector partnerships and state authorities involvement.
“Internet hosting main tournaments requires greater than sports activities directors. We’d like transport, tourism, safety and hospitality sectors to be a part of the plan,” he stated, urging a whole-of-nation method.
If realised, the NSC’s ambitions might mark a turning level for Nigerian sports activities, leveraging internet hosting as a catalyst for infrastructure, world visibility and financial revitalisation throughout various cities and communities.
