NIS DG Pushes for More Funding to Boost Nigeria’s Sports Manpower

By Linda Ike

National Institute of Sports (NIS) Director-General, Philip Shuaibu has renewed appeals for higher funding on Wednesday, during a National Assembly budget defence in Abuja, aiming to reposition the institute and drive sports growth.

NIS trains manpower for Nigeria’s sports ecosystem and promotes grassroots development, but Shuaibu stressed underfunding as the biggest barrier.

“Our mandate is to train manpower for the sports ecosystem and promote sports from the grassroots, But we cannot achieve this without adequate government funding.

“We need a budget that reflects our vision and mission to improve sports in Nigeria.” He said.

He praised President Bola Tinubu and the House Committee on Sports for support, while urging quick formation of the National Sports Commission board for strategic direction and stability.

Shuaibu called NIS the lifeline of sports development, warning that chronic underfunding limits state-level visibility, expansion, and outreach,.hindering Nigeria’s success in local and international competitions.

House Committee on Sports Chairman, Kabiru Amadu echoed the concerns, labeling NIS a critical pillar starved of funds.

He pledged collaboration for bigger allocations to ensure effective performance.

Established in 1974, NIS stands as Nigeria’s top centre for sports training and research, producing coaches, administrators, and technical experts.