By Comfort Olayinka
Nigeria’s House Committee on Sports has urged the Ministry of Sports to develop a robust strategy for the 2028 Olympics, following Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics where they failed to win a single medal.
Hon Kabiru Amadu, the Committee Chairman and lawmaker representing Gusau/Tsafe Federal constituency, emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford another disappointing outing during an interactive session with the minister of sports
“The Nigerian sports sector has made significant progress over the years, yet it’s unacceptable that we’re still struggling to secure podium finishes at major global competitions,” Amadu stated. This meeting was convened to address Team Nigeria’s poor performance in Paris, prompted by a motion of urgent importance.
To support the Ministry and sporting federations, the Committee presented a N100 million cheque to Sports Minister Senator John Enoh and Nigeria Olympics Committee President Habu Gumel.
This donation, promised in June, aims to provide a financial foundation for 2028 Olympics preparations. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House, endorsed this contribution.
The Committee also reviewed the Ministry’s 2023/2024 budget, expressing concerns over discrepancies. Members urged the Ministry to address these issues before future meetings, ensuring transparency and effective resource allocation.
” In fact, one of the reasons why this meeting was called was because of a motion of urgent importance that was put forward because of Team Nigeria’s bad outing at the Paris Olympics Games”.
” Nigerian Sports has gone a long way over the years and it is totally unacceptable that we are still struggling with Podium finish at major global competitions” .
” In fact, one of the reasons why this meeting was called was because of a motion of urgent importance that was put forward because of Team Nigeria’s bad outing at the Paris Olympics Games”.
” As a Proactive Committee, the Committee has put together a Blueprint to help it’s oversight function as regards ways and means to revamp Nigerian Sports”.
” This Committee is very determined to assist in all ways possible to help the Sports Ministry and the various Sporting Federations, especially in the area of funding “.
Amadu assured the Ministry of legislative support, emphasizing the Committee’s proactive approach. “We’ve crafted a blueprint to enhance oversight, focusing on revitalizing Nigerian sports.”
Key areas include athlete development, infrastructure enhancement and strategic partnerships. Effective planning and collaboration are crucial for Nigeria’s success in the 2028 Olympics.