Bukola Olopade challenges investors to build Nigerian sports economy

National Sports Commission (NSC) Director General Bukola Olopade has challenged corporate organisations, sponsors and private investors to commit funding to Nigerian sports, saying transparent investment and public-private partnerships are essential to building a lasting legacy.

Speaking during a strategic engagement with sports stakeholders, corporate partners and administrators on Friday in Abuja, Olopade reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to developing a sustainable, commercially viable sports sector.

“Legacy means a lot to me. Show us the money, and let’s build the legacy together,” Olopade said via a statement made available to Made In Africa Sport.

NSC outlines sports investment priorities

The commission said it was establishing transparent frameworks to ensure corporate investments and public funds deliver measurable returns and tangible development across sporting disciplines.

According to the NSC statement, Olopade emphasised that building a lasting sports culture in Nigeria requires “transparent funding, private sector synergy, and direct investment in grassroots and elite infrastructure”.

The commission identified modernising sporting facilities, improving talent identification at grassroots level and supporting long-term athlete welfare as key priorities for investment.

Olopade seeks public-private partnerships

The NSC is also seeking partnerships with corporate organisations, international bodies and private investors to develop sustainable sports projects that can continue beyond individual administrations.

The commission said Olopade reaffirmed that it would prioritise institutional reforms to transform sports “from mere entertainment into a robust economic sector capable of driving youth empowerment, national unity, and international prestige”.

It added that corporate organisations, brand sponsors and sports federations were being encouraged to align with the commission’s strategic direction.

“The Commission calls on corporate entities, brand sponsors, and sports federations to align with the new strategic direction as the NSC prepares to roll out its upcoming national sports infrastructure and developmental initiatives,” the statement said.

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