Abuja:The National Sports Commission (NSC) is calling for stronger collaboration with four Federal Government-owned media organisations to advance sports development and expand economic opportunities in the sector. This appeal was made by Malam Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the NSC, during a familiarisation visit in Abuja, where he hosted heads of sports and editors from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the visit aimed to strengthen engagement between the NSC and these media organisations to enhance sports publicity and explore collaborative avenues. Dikko emphasized the importance of building a productive partnership with media entities to improve sports coverage, promote government initiatives, and attract private-sector investment into the sports industry.
The NSC is also exploring the establishment of a dedicated sports television channel to provide comprehensive coverage of Nigerian sports. This channel is expected to expand the visibility of Nigerian athletes and competitions both locally and internationally. Dikko noted that potential partnerships with broadcasters and other stakeholders are being considered to develop a sustainable model for this initiative. The proposed channel could generate revenue through subscriptions, advertising, and other commercial arrangements, while giving less prominent sports greater coverage.
Dikko encouraged media organisations to collaborate with the commission in developing content and promotional strategies that will attract audiences, sponsors, and investors to Nigerian sports. Additionally, the NSC is committed to working with sports federations, schools, and grassroots organisations to nurture talents capable of competing internationally, with grassroots sports development being central to this strategy.
The chairman highlighted the media’s critical role in documenting these initiatives, promoting emerging talents, and communicating the broader benefits of sports. He pointed out that sports could create employment opportunities in areas such as broadcasting, journalism, event management, tourism, and hospitality.
Dikko expressed optimism that stronger cooperation between the NSC and the government-owned media organisations would position sports as a viable economic sector. He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in developing sports infrastructure and attracting sponsorships. The commission is also pursuing initiatives to improve stadium facilities and transform them into multipurpose centres, creating additional opportunities for media coverage and revenue generation.
The chairman reiterated the NSC’s readiness to engage regularly with media organisations, share information on its programmes, and explore mutually beneficial cooperation. He stressed that partnerships should extend beyond event reporting to include joint promotional initiatives that would strengthen the sports industry and enhance its contribution to the national economy. Dikko concluded by expressing gratitude to the visiting media organisations for their interest in the commission’s activities and confidence in achieving positive outcomes for Nigerian sports.