Ahead of April 12th resumption: NIS Operations Commences in Zones Amid Ongoing Facility Upgrades
State Correspondent
Ahead of the April 12th, 2026 resumption of academic activities in the six geopolitical zones of the National Institute for Sports, official operations has commenced in its bold steps in the decentralization of sports education and development in Nigeria.
Although renovation and structural upgrades are still ongoing in several locations, staff deployed to the various zones have resumed duties and begun active engagements within their respective states, according to situation reports from zonal coordinators and information officers posted to the areas.
In the South-South zone, the Benin office has resumed official duties despite ongoing renovation works at its designated facility. As part of its initial engagements, staff paid a familiarization visit to the Edo State Sports Commission to strengthen institutional collaboration and align operational priorities.
Notably, the zone’s first major assignment was participation in the ongoing NDDC Games currently being hosted in Edo State. The presence of NIS DG/CEO and it personnel at the Games shows the Institute’s technical relevance and its commitment to supporting grassroots and regional sporting initiatives from the onset of its zonal operations.
The was also a strategic presence in Enugu
In the South-East. According to the report, staff posted to the Enugu zonal office have equally resumed work while facility upgrades continue.
Reports indicate that officials were received at the Enugu State Government House as part of courtesy and strategic familiarization visits aimed at reinforcing partnerships between the Institute and the state government.
Zonal coordinators described the engagements as productive, laying the groundwork for structured training programmes and technical collaborations.
The South-West zonal office in Ogun State commenced operations at the Sagamu Stadium complex. The facility, along with accommodation for staff and lecture halls which will undergo renovations, was donated to the Institute to facilitate immediate take-off.
While proposed renovations are still ongoing to upgrade the infrastructure, the availability of functional facilities has enabled the zone to begin administrative and preparatory activities without delay.
In the North-West, Kaduna zonal office, staff have resumed official duties even as renovation work continues at the NIS facility. Zonal officials report steady administrative coordination and stakeholder engagement, with operations structured to accommodate the phased upgrade of the premises.
At the North-East zonal office in Yola, Adamawa State, staff have also resumed work. Though minor renovation works are still being carried out, the zone is operational and has begun liaising with state sports authorities to establish a clear roadmap for upcoming programmes.
In Plateau State, representing the North-Central zone, the situation mirrors developments in other regions. Staff have resumed duties while renovation activities continue in phases. Preliminary administrative work and stakeholder engagements are already underway.
Across the six geopolitical zones, the pattern remains consistent, operational activities have commenced even as infrastructure improvements continue.
Zonal coordinators maintain that the phased approach ensures continuity of service delivery while facilities are being upgraded.
The nationwide resumption signals a renewed drive by the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Institute for Sports to strengthen its presence at the grassroots level and reinforce its mandate as Nigeria’s apex sports training and development institution.
(NIS Media)
