THE NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION. PRESS RELEASE. Nigeria Customs Injects ₦52 Million into 2026 Premier Volleyball League as NVBF Launches Nationwide Talent Discovery Drive. The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), in partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has officially launched the first phase of the 2026 National Premier Volleyball League, unveiling a major financial commitment aimed at boosting volleyball development and uncovering the next generation of national stars. The opening ceremony, held at the Indoor Sports Hall of Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, marked the beginning of what promises to be one of the most competitive editions of the country’s premier volleyball championship. Organizers announced a substantial ₦26 million support package for participating teams and athletes in the first phase of the competition, with an additional ₦26 million expected for the second phase, bringing the total projected investment to ₦52 million. The latest edition represents another significant milestone in the NVBF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots and elite volleyball development under the leadership of Federation President Musa Nimrod. Since taking office, the current administration has maintained an impressive record of organizing consistent national competitions, successfully delivering 10 editions of the National Premier Volleyball League and reinforcing its commitment to the long-term growth of the sport across Nigeria. The championship is being staged by the Nigeria Volleyball Federation in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, serving as the title sponsor. The Customs Service first became the official sponsor of the Premier League during the seventh edition and has continued its support through the eighth, ninth and now tenth editions, demonstrating a sustained commitment to volleyball development in Nigeria. As the country’s flagship volleyball competition, the National Premier Volleyball League brings together the nation’s top men’s and women’s clubs, providing a platform for elite competition, talent identification, athlete development and the promotion of sporting excellence. Speaking at the opening ceremony, NVBF Second Vice President and Chairman of the League Management Committee (LMC), Adamu Tanimu, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its unwavering support and emphasized the league’s importance in the country’s volleyball ecosystem. “First and foremost, I want to thank the Comptroller-General of Customs for giving us the opportunity to stage this league again. The Premier League represents the highest level of volleyball competition in Nigeria and serves as a showcase for the immense talent we have across the country,” he said. Tanimu noted that the competition continues to serve as a vital pathway for players aspiring to represent Nigeria on the international stage. He explained that both locally based and foreign-based athletes participating in the league have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities while emerging talents are closely monitored for possible inclusion in the national teams. According to him, the quality and competitiveness of the league have improved significantly over the years, as evidenced by the strong performances of newly promoted clubs. “The matches we have witnessed so far show remarkable progress. Promoted teams are already challenging, establishing Premier League sides and making every contest highly competitive. This level of improvement reflects the work that has been done over the years, and I am confident that fans will discover many exciting new players capable of representing Nigeria at the highest level,” he added. While acknowledging the financial and logistical challenges facing sports administration in Nigeria, Tanimu stressed that the federation remains committed to delivering on its development agenda. “The year has been particularly challenging because sports development requires substantial funding. Nevertheless, we view these challenges as opportunities to innovate and grow. We have successfully concluded the Division One and Division Two Leagues and are now hosting the Premier League. Following this competition, our attention will shift to an international beach volleyball tournament scheduled to take place in Badagry this July,” he said. Also addressing journalists, Chairman of the Control Committee, Stephen Aso, highlighted the increasing competitiveness of the championship, noting that teams are now better prepared and more evenly matched than in previous years. “The level of competition has risen tremendously. There are virtually no easy games anymore. Most matches now end in closely contested 3-1 or 3-2 scorelines, which is a clear indication of how much the standard of volleyball in Nigeria has improved,” Aso stated. He further praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its consistent sponsorship over the past three editions and revealed that the federation is actively pursuing additional corporate partnerships to complement existing support and accelerate the sport’s growth. Representing the Nigeria Customs Service, Director of Sports Samuel Onikeku described the sponsorship as part of the organization’s broader corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at positively engaging Nigerian youths through sports. “The Comptroller-General and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service are passionate about youth development and empowerment. Sports provide a powerful platform for achieving these objectives, and volleyball has been one of the major beneficiaries of our commitment,” Onikeku said. He expressed optimism that sustained investment in volleyball would help Nigeria reclaim its status among Africa’s leading volleyball nations. According to him, the Nigeria Customs men’s and women’s teams enter the competition fully prepared after gaining valuable experience from recent international tournaments in Ghana, Egypt, and Rwanda. “Our women’s team won the league title last season without losing a single match, while the men’s team dominated the second phase of the competition. We recognize that other teams will be motivated to challenge us this year, but we are ready to defend our reputation and maintain our standards,” he stated. Onikeku also disclosed details of the financial support package, confirming that approximately ₦26 million has been allocated to participating teams and athletes during the first phase of the competition, with a similar amount planned for the second phase. The first phase of the 2026 National Premier Volleyball League runs from June 13 to June 28 and features both men’s and women’s categories. The championship has attracted leading clubs, coaches, technical officials, administrators, and volleyball enthusiasts from across the country. Coming on the heels of the successful completion of the Division One and Division Two League competitions, the Premier League forms a critical component of the federation’s broader strategy to expand participation, strengthen grassroots development, improve coaching standards and elevate the overall quality of volleyball nationwide. Beyond determining national champions, the competition is expected to serve as a nationwide talent identification platform, helping discover emerging stars capable of strengthening Nigeria’s national teams in future continental and international competitions. With increased financial backing, growing competitiveness among clubs and a renewed focus on talent discovery, stakeholders believe the 2026 National Premier Volleyball League could mark another major step forward in the continued development of volleyball in Nigeria while further solidifying the productive partnership between the Nigeria Volleyball Federation and the Nigeria Customs Service. Patricia Nnandi NSC MEDIA.