The House of Representatives Committee on Sports has commended President Bola Tinubu for proposing N203.6 billion for the sports sector in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing it as a strong demonstration of the administration’s commitment to national development through sports.
Committee chairman, Honourable Kabiru Amadu, in his submission, said the proposed allocation represents a 92.6 per cent increase from the N105.7 billion approved for the sector in the 2025 Appropriation Act, adding that the significant increment underscores the Federal Government’s recognition of sports as a vital instrument for youth empowerment, national unity and international representation.
The lawmaker, who represented the Gusau/Tsafe Federal constituency of Zamfara State, also lauded the President’s approval of first-line charge funding for the sports sector, a move expected to guarantee the prompt release of funds immediately after the passage of the budget.
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Noting that early funding would allow sporting bodies to prepare adequately for competitions and eliminate the recurring challenges of delayed financing, Amadu believe that the increased allocation would address long standing issues in the sector such as deteriorating sports infrastructure particularly the national stadia, unpaid bonuses to athletes and officials, inadequate funding for over 40 sports federations, and the absence of sustainable development frameworks and skilled manpower.
Reflecting on recent progress, Amadu described 2025 as a turning point for Nigerian sports as he highlighted the unprecedented achievement of 373 medals won by Nigerian athletes across international competitions. He also pointed to reforms that repositioned the National Institute of Sports, restored full anti-doping compliance and strengthened the integrity of Nigeria’s sporting system, the milestones which he said have restored hope, confidence and pride in Nigeria’s sports sector.
Amadu assured stakeholders that the committee would intensify its oversight functions to guarantee transparency, accountability and value for money in the utilisation of the proposed 2026 allocation.
“As we consider the 2026 Appropriation Bill, we remain committed to ensuring that these increased resources are effectively utilised to develop infrastructure, support athletes and sustain grassroots sports development,” he said.
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