Lagos Unveils Reforms For Greater Sports Development 

*Sets To Digitalize Senior Athletes Registration For Assessment And Monitoring Performance 

The Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Sports Commission on Friday presents a comprehensive renewed vision for sports to give an enduring all-around sports development that will stand the test of time.

At a media briefing attended by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, and the Director General of the Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, the state government says it wants to combines reforms, structure, and sustainability to drive sports development in the state in order to give the athletes the career to be proud of.

“Our agenda is anchored on three main pillars: Sports Development Reforms, a Renewed Grassroots Framework, and a Roadmap to Athletes’ Revitalisation. Together, they represent a future-focused commitment to reposition Lagos as the leading centre of sporting excellence in Africa,” the Director General said.

Fatodu recalled how “sports in Lagos has long been a source of pride and unity, but to meet global standards, we must embrace reforms that strengthen governance, enforce transparency, and streamline our systems.

“Prior to now, there has never been a central database to identify our athletes and manage their performance. As a result, impostors and athletes past their peak have taken advantage of this gap, using it as a meal ticket.

“To address this, we are introducing an online portal for the enlistment of senior athletes, monitoring, and performance evaluation.

“We are also creating wider opportunities for partnership with corporate bodies, NGOs, social clubs, and individuals to invest in infrastructure, sponsorship, and athlete development,” Fatodu said while also emphasizing that the reforms are not short-term measures, but are designed for inclusivity, measurable impact, and sustainability to ensure that Lagos sets the pace for sports administration in Africa.

On its plan for renewed grassroots framework, the Lagos State Government wants to make a strong foundation that prioritize schools as the heartbeat of talent discovery.

“We are working closely with stakeholders, teachers, parents, and community clubs to strengthen participation while expanding access to facilities across all divisions of the State.

“Coaches will be better trained and supported, ensuring every child who embraces sports in Lagos sees a clear pathway to success at national and international levels,” he said.

The state government is also putting in place a roadmap to athletes’ revitalisation. This, the Director General, says is to ensure that the athletes who are the core ecosystem of Lagos sports have secured careers and better futures.

“We are introducing biometric data capture for proper profiling, access to facility and monitoring, alongside career sustainability programmes for life after competition. Athletes will benefit from pathways into coaching, administration, and other professions.

“Regular assessments will ensure discipline and fairness. Athletes who show no measurable improvement after three consecutive National Sports Festivals will be disengaged, with clear support systems provided for transition,” the DG disclosed.

To give structure to these reforms, the state government is set to introduce the Team Lagos Reform & Transition Policy.

“This policy will set clear benchmarks for both athletes and coaches, supported by transparent retention, disengagement, and probation protocols.

“It also provides exit systems that include skills acquisition, entrepreneurship training, and potential job placement support, ensuring that no athlete or coach is left behind after service.

“New athletes and coaches will come in through a clear onboarding process, while appeal and reconsideration mechanisms will guarantee fairness. Special consideration will be given to sportsmen among the dissolved Team Lagos athletes who have demonstrated excellence,” Fatodu said.

On the coaching and support staff restructure, Coaches will now operate under clear KPIs, with contracts renewed annually based on performance.

Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, and the Director General of the Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu

According to the DG, “all contracts will carry measurable targets, evaluation timelines, and disciplinary and innovation benchmarks. Continuing education and certification will be mandatory, while deserving assistant coaches will be promoted through a clear development pathway.

“This pathway will be supported by partnerships with the National Institute for Sports, international certification bodies, private academies, and youth-centred recruitment systems.”

To ensure a steady inflow of talent, Lagos will launch the Team Lagos Open Trials 2025 across all IBILE divisions. Alongside this, sports talent hubs will be mapped across the State to ensure equal access to opportunity and representation.

“To track progress, we will appoint a sports officer who will act as Athletes’ Liaison Officer, preferably an ex-athlete, who will serve as the direct bridge between athletes and the Commission.

“In addition, we are establishing a Team Lagos Monitoring Unit (TLMU) under the Office of the Director General. This unit will conduct biannual reviews, track KPIs, and publish an Annual State of Team Lagos Report.”

The Director General, however, emphasised they decision to dissolve the Lagos State Senior Team is irreversible, adding no individual or group is authorised to parade themselves in that capacity until further notice.

“Plans are underway to reconstitute a new team with renewed discipline, stronger energy, and competitive spirit. I therefore call on aspiring athletes to seize this opportunity and register at https://lssc.lg.gov.ng/athlete-registration/,” he said.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Ogunlende, said that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed youth and sports work in tandem and not leave anybody behind.

“We want to hold ourselves accountable, transparent and give our athletes opportunities to compete on the global stage.

“The reforms rolled out today is he first step, and we won’t tolerate any level of indiscipline because the reforms will guide us all,” he said.