NSC Moves to Reset Nigeria Judo Federation After IJF Board Dissolution
Oru Leonard
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has taken steps to reposition the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF), approving a six-member caretaker committee to steer the federation through a transitional period and prepare the ground for fresh elections.
The decision follows the dissolution of the NJF Board by the International Judo Federation (IJF), creating the need for an interim administrative structure to keep the federation functioning while addressing identified governance requirements.
The caretaker committee, chaired by Sheriff Hammed, includes Ekuta Catherine Ewa, Sule Musa, Bashir Musa Bassey and Oladipupo Idowu, while Amayo Ngozi will serve as Secretary.
The NSC said the committee’s primary responsibility is not to constitute a permanent leadership structure but to undertake reforms that will pave the way for a properly elected board.
Among its key assignments is the amendment of the NJF constitution to bring it in line with requirements of the IJF. The committee is also expected to convene an Annual General Meeting where the amended constitution will be considered and approved.
Following the constitutional process, the committee will organise fresh elections and facilitate the transfer of authority to the newly elected board.
The development effectively places governance reform and electoral renewal at the centre of the NSC’s intervention in Nigerian judo, with the Commission stressing transparency, impartiality and the overall development of the sport.
The NSC directed the committee to work with relevant stakeholders and ensure that judo activities continue effectively throughout the transition.
The caretaker arrangement will remain in force until the electoral process is completed and the newly elected NJF Board assumes office.
The Commission said the intervention was undertaken pursuant to Section 16 of the National Sports Commission Act, 2023.
The immediate challenge for the caretaker committee will therefore be to reconcile the federation’s internal administration with international requirements, rebuild stakeholder confidence and deliver credible elections capable of restoring a stable leadership structure to Nigerian judo.
