The House of Representatives has approved a significant increase in the 2026 budget for the National Sports Commission, raising it to N60 billion. This move is part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to overhaul sports funding in Nigeria and position sports as a driver of job creation, tourism, investment, and global influence.
The increased budget is expected to enhance grassroots sports development, support elite athlete programs, and boost Nigeria’s participation in international competitions. The President has directed that all funds appropriated for sports be released immediately once the budget is passed and assented to.
This development is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), aimed at building a stronger sports ecosystem through scientific elite athlete development, active grassroots participation, revitalized sports federations, and hosting major international events in Nigeria.
