Reps Committee Backs ₦203.6bn Sports Allocation, Raises NIS Budget to ₦60bn
By Comfort Chukwukelue
The House of Representatives Committee on Sports has commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for proposing ₦203.6 billion for the sports sector in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing the allocation as a decisive investment in national development.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, said the proposal represents a 92.6 per cent increase from the ₦105.7 billion approved for sports in the 2025 Appropriation Act.
Amadu, who represents Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency, said the increase reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of sports as a driver of youth empowerment, national cohesion and global competitiveness.
He also welcomed the approval of first-line charge funding for the sector, noting that it would ensure the prompt release of funds immediately after the passage of the budget and eliminate delays that have disrupted preparations for international competitions.
According to him, the proposed allocation is expected to tackle persistent challenges, including deteriorating national stadia, unpaid bonuses to athletes and officials, underfunded sports federations and the lack of structured development frameworks.
As part of its oversight and budget defence exercise, the committee increased the 2026 budget estimate of the National Institute of Sports from ₦2.8 billion to about ₦60 billion following consultations with the institute’s management and the Budget Office of the Federation.
Amadu said adequate funding was critical to repositioning the institute as a hub for training coaches, sports administrators and technical personnel.
Established in 1974, the institute serves as Nigeria’s premier training and research centre for sports development.
Director-General of the institute, Philip Shuaibu, told lawmakers that the total capital allocation for 2025 had yet to be released. He said his administration had introduced a 10-year strategic blueprint to reposition the institute and revive the Athletes Development Centre, which he described as previously neglected.
Shuaibu added that sustained funding and the speedy constitution of the board of the National Sports Commission would provide the strategic direction needed for long-term stability in the sector.
Highlighting recent gains, Amadu described 2025 as a landmark year for Nigerian sports, citing a record 373 medals won at international competitions. He also referenced reforms aimed at restoring anti-doping compliance, strengthening institutional integrity, revitalising school sports and introducing direct grants to athletes.
The committee chairman reaffirmed the panel’s constitutional oversight mandate under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stating that agencies under its supervision had been invited to account for their implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act ahead of deliberations on the 2026 proposals.
He assured stakeholders that the committee would ensure transparency, accountability and value for money in the utilisation of funds allocated to the sports sector.
