The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has stated that the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the adoption of the National Sports Industry Bill (NSIP) for full implementation, under the renewed mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Senator Enoh remarked that the current administration is leaving no stone unturned in its plans to deliver positive change across all sectors, with sports an important part of that plan.
He noted that the NSIP approved in the last administration has been pegged for implementation in the current government, so as to boost sports development.
“The National Sports Industry Policy as approved by the last administration has received endorsement by the current administration, led by our president, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” The Minister stated. “The thrust of the policy is to advance sports as a business, not just as a mere recreation.
He explained that the inter-ministerial committee set up in the last administration, comprising the Ministries of Sports, Finance and Federal Inland Revenue Service was for the committee to agree on a series of incentives, which Government is expected to approve.
The incentives were to boost private sector investment and support for sports in the country.
“It is important that going forward, the investments and funding for sports should come from the private sector, as obtainable in other parts of the world,” Senator Enoh added.
“One of the plans of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development is to see how to sell sports to the private sector. We want to build the trust and confidence of the private sector, so that competitions and the initiatives of the ministry can enjoy the supports and endorsement of the private sector.”
He said that the nation must return to the days where private sector was a major player in sports, as it is a necessary requirement for development.