Minister of Sports Development Appears Before the House Committee on Sports Speaks on the 2024 budget performance
Oru Leonard
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development in Nigeria, Senator John Owan Enoh, appeared before the House Committee on Sports on Tuesday the 22nd of October, to outline the ministry’s strategic roadmap for advancing Nigeria’s sports sector in pari pasau the 2024 annual budget. The discussions focused on key areas such as funding,infrastructure development, grassroots sports promotion, youth engagement, and elevating Nigeria’s presence on the global sports stage.
Critical parts of his presentation addressed highlights of the progress made thus far, some of which include the detailed work done by the Sports Ministry in close alliance with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission for the concession of the National Stadium Surulere, a struggle that was left moribund since 2012 ,has now been concluded and awaits final endorsement from the cabinet office. The Anti-doping bill which was presented to FEC by the Sports Minister , forwarded by Mr President to the National Assembly and accelerated passage was given to same, remains a monumental stride ,given the negative image and the boycotting of Nigerian athletes during international competitions, due to the nation’s inability to meet up WADA standards despite being a signatory to the convention. Recall in 2021 Nigerian athletes were not allowed to participate at the Olympics, however the 2024 Olympics had no such encounters,due to the intentionality of the current administraion to clear and lift Nigeria from the murky waters of Anti-doping issues and give it a place in the league of WADA compliant nations that are worthy of the global sports stage.The signing of MOUs for infrastructure development and generating of income for the sports sector amongst others.
Senator Enoh succinctly stated the challenge of funding,as funds gotten in the sector are mostly from interventions, not regular budgets,as Sports is unable to compete with other areas of challenges the country faces during budgeting.The Minister was quick to add that government alone cannot fund sports,hence the need for private and Cooporate sector involvement, with reference to the NSIP.
While discussing Team Nigeria’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games,the Honourable Minister acknowledged that our sports is in decline,a decline that has been on from previous years.Admitting there is no excuse for the medal drought from the Paris Olympics,there also has to be an holistic approach for 2028.
The Minister went further to profer solutions, which include early funding for preperations,not just funding for competitions.Complete adoption of the scientific approach for preparing athletes to meet global standards .
The Sports Minister commended the athletes for their remarkable efforts and perseverance despite the challenges faced. He highlighted notable achievements from the past Olympic Games and stressed the importance of learning from these experiences to better prepare for future competitions, particularly for the 2028 Olympic Games. He revealed the ministry’s strategic initiatives to enhance early talent identification, improve training facilities, and provide comprehensive athlete support to ensure stronger performances in upcoming events.
The Honourable Minister also discussed the poor state of sports facilities in the country, emphasizing the urgent need for rehabilitation and modernization. He acknowledged that inadequate infrastructure poses significant challenges to athletes’ development and overall sports performance.
The Minister provided a comprehensive overview of the capital projects outlined in the 2024 Appropriation Act, which aim to enhance sports infrastructure across the country.
He updated the committee on the status of these capital projects, noting that some progress is made , while others are in the early stages of execution. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to ensuring these projects meet international standards and are delivered within the expected timelines.
Furthermore, Senator Enoh addressed the federal constituencies’ projects captured in the 2024 budget, which include the distribution of sporting equipment to schools and communities nationwide. These initiatives aim to promote grassroots sports and foster talent development in underserved areas.
In discussing the 2024 budget performance, Senator Enoh underscored the importance of securing adequate funding to support ongoing and future sports initiatives. He emphasized that appropriate investment in the sports sector is essential for ensuring Nigeria’s competitiveness in international competitions.
The House Committee on Sports commended Senator Enoh for his proactive leadership and comprehensive planning, particularly regarding preparations for the 2028 Olympics and the promotion of grassroots sports. The committee pledged its support for the ministry’s efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to providing the necessary legislative backing to ensure the success of these programs.
Senator Owan Enoh expressed his gratitude for the committee’s ongoing support and reaffirmed his dedication to transforming Nigeria into a global sports powerhouse.
(Diana Mary Nsan, SA Media to HMSD)
