World Athletics has conferred on Nigeria the hosting rights of the maiden Africa Running Conference, which will hold in Lagos in February 2026.
The historic event not only positions Nigeria as a key player in the global sports ecosystem but also aims to promote health, fitness and athletic excellence as well as drive participation, talent discovery and private sector engagement.
Speaking at a press briefing which was held at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday, the chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, while highlighting the vision behind the conference, said it aligns closely with the Commission’s long-term goals and the broader vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to elevate Nigeria’s sports economy and ecosystem.
“First and foremost, this conference is a reflection of our vision, the vision of the NSC and that of President Tinubu to create a thriving sports ecosystem where sport is not just for recreation but becomes a significant driver of national economic development.
“One of the core pillars of this strategy is to host more international sporting events across all disciplines. This is essential to unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s domestic sports industry. So when the opportunity to host the Africa Running Conference came up, we embraced it wholeheartedly,” Dikko said.
The NSC chairman, however, added that the road running represents a unique comparative advantage for Nigeria.
“With the right focus and intentional development, the possibilities are immense. Thanks to the groundwork laid by our Director General and other stakeholders, the excitement has spread from Lagos to Abuja, Kaduna to Enugu. Every state now wants to be involved.
This growing momentum tells us that Nigeria has what it takes to sustain and scale this movement.
“This conference is about much more than running, it’s about passion, potential and progress. It will create followership, attract sponsorship, showcase our culture, and promote Nigeria’s positive image globally. We’re using this opportunity to invite the private sector not only to support this conference but to invest in road races and sporting initiatives across Nigeria,” he added.
An elated NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, in his remarks, welcomed the global sports community to Nigeria as he emphasised the broader impact of the event
Olopade said, “For those who know my background, you’ll understand why this moment is so special. To see the NSC, in partnership with World Athletics and the AFN, successfully organise this groundbreaking conference is a significant milestone.
“This is the first of its kind in Nigeria, and that speaks volumes. It shows that President Tinubu’s vision to galvanise sport into an economic tool is not just an idea; it’s already in motion. We’ve long said that Nigeria must move from being a consumption-driven sports nation to a production-driven one. Big events like this are steps in that direction.
“For World Athletics to choose Lagos over nations like Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa with historic races like the Kilimanjaro Marathon and the Cape Town Marathon shows their confidence in Nigeria and the reforms currently underway. These reforms extend beyond sport; they encompass housing, healthcare and education. I specifically mention healthcare because road running is deeply connected to wellness, education, and competition. That’s what this conference represents: a holistic approach to nation-building through sport.”
Head of Running and Mass Participation at World Athletics, Alessio Punzi, restated the organisation’s strong backing for the inaugural Africa Running Conference in Lagos. He described the event as a critical step toward building a sustainable running culture across the continent.
According to Punzi, the conference is more than just hosting another international event, saying it represents a strategic move toward building a full ecosystem around road running in Africa, which captures grassroots development, technical training and year-round engagement.
He noted that the conference will feature two days of intensive technical workshops for national athletics federations across Africa, focusing on standardisation, certification and officiating.
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