February 12, 2026 — In a major move to revitalize Nigeria’s sports sector, the House of Representatives Committee on Sports has significantly increased the 2026 budget proposal for the National Institute for Sports (NIS) from an initial ₦2.8 billion to ₦60 billion.
The decision was announced by the Committee Chairman, Kabiru Ahmadu, during the institute’s budget defense session on Wednesday. Ahmadu explained that the upward review followed intensive consultations between the committee, the NIS management, and the Budget Office of the Federation.
The massive funding boost is aimed at addressing decades of neglect and underfunding that have plagued the institute. The committee highlighted several key factors for the increase:
Under the leadership of Director-General Philip Shaibu, the NIS has developed its first-ever 10-year strategic plan to reposition the institute as a premier hub for sports research and training.
Shaibu linked Nigeria’s recent poor performances in international sports to the “non-functionality” of the NIS. He noted that without a functional institute, the country has struggled to develop homegrown talent, often relying on foreign-born athletes.
The funds are expected to facilitate the training of qualified coaches and administrators, as well as the completion of the Athletes Development Centre.
During the session, DG Philip Shaibu described the NIS as the “lifeline” of the country’s sports development. He decried the lack of capital funding in 2025, which stalled critical expansion and outreach programs.
“Our mandate is to train manpower for the sports ecosystem and promote sports from the grassroots. We need a budget that reflects our vision to improve sports in Nigeria,” Shaibu stated.
Chairman Ahmadu commended Shaibu’s “transformative leadership” and emphasized that for the NIS to discharge its responsibilities effectively, it must have adequate financial backing. The committee expressed commitment to ensuring the institute can finally fulfill its 1974 mandate of driving excellence in the Nigerian sports sector.
