October 23, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government of Nigeria has abolished the Ministry of Sports Development, with its functions to be transferred to a restored National Sports Commission, following a Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday. The decision marks a significant shift in the administration of sports in Africa’s most populous nation.
The structural changes, announced by Presidential Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, will affect Minister John Enoh’s position, though details regarding the transition of leadership remain pending. The National Sports Commission, which previously managed Nigerian sports before the creation of the standalone ministry, will resume its role as the primary body responsible for sports administration.
This restructuring forms part of a broader governmental reorganisation that includes the dissolution of the Niger Delta Ministry and the combination of the Tourism Ministry with Culture and Creative Economy. The changes align with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to respond to the clamour to reduce governance costs and improve efficiency.
The restructuring follows recommendations from the Oronsaye report, which suggested merging and streamlining government agencies to enhance operational efficiency. The committee tasked with implementing these changes, led by George Akume, is expected to provide additional details about the transition in the coming weeks.
Sports stakeholders await details regarding how the National Sports Commission will manage ongoing programmes and international commitments.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
