Newly appointed National Sports Commission (NSC) chairman Shehu Dikko has assured Nigerians that the ₦78 billion sports budget will be spent wisely and transparently, vowing that the days of unaccounted funds are over.
Speaking at his first official press briefing on Monday, Dikko said every single kobo will be tracked through a new digital monitoring system.
“President Tinubu has given us this money because he believes in sports as a tool for national development and youth empowerment. We will not disappoint him,” he stated.
Dikko revealed that federations must now submit detailed plans and key performance indicators before any funds are released.
“No more blank cheques. If you cannot show results, you will not get money.”
The chairman also announced that the NSC will soon begin a comprehensive audit of all sports federations. Stakeholders have welcomed the move, with many saying it is long overdue. Igoche Mark, who praised the budget on New Year’s Day, said Dikko’s words give him confidence.
The sports sector is now on red alert. Nigerians expect to see tangible improvements in infrastructure, athlete welfare and international performance throughout 2025.
