The House of Representatives Committee on Sports, chaired by Honourable Kabiru Amadu, has called on the Ministry of Sports to develop a robust strategic plan in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games.
The session, which took place on Tuesday 22nd October, 2024, at the National Assembly, follows the disappointing performance of Team Nigeria at the 2024 Olympics in France, where the nation failed to secure any medals.
Honourable Amadu, who represents the Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency, emphasised the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s sports framework during the committee’s first official meeting with the Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh.
“Nigerian sports have progressed over the years, yet it is unacceptable that we still struggle for podium finishes at major global competitions,” Amadu stated.
He added that the urgency of the meeting was prompted by the country’s poor showing at the Paris Olympics, which led to a motion of urgent public importance.
The Committee presented a blueprint outlining its oversight functions and proposed measures to revitalise Nigerian sports, particularly focusing on funding for the Ministry of Sports and various sporting federations.
In a symbolic gesture of support, Honourable Amadu presented a cheque for ₦100 million to the Sports Minister and the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel.
This sum, promised to Team Nigeria in June, is intended to serve as a financial foundation for preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games.
The Chairman, however, noted that the cheque was presented on behalf of the Speaker of the House, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas.
During the session, committee members also reviewed the Ministry of Sports’ 2023/2024 budget, highlighting discrepancies and urging the ministry to address these issues before future engagements.
