Minister of Sports Development, Sen John Enoh, has taken a firm stance to address the longstanding funding challenges plaguing sports development in Nigeria. 

During a technical meeting held in Abuja ahead of the 13th African Games in Ghana, scheduled from March 8 to March 24, Enoh articulated his commitment to tackling the financial hurdles faced by the country’s sports sector.

Addressing the persistent funding issues, Minister Enoh highlighted the impracticality of relying solely on government allocations for sustained sports development. 

He stated, “The challenge of funds in sports has been in existence for so long, and every day we keep talking about it. Depending solely on the yearly appropriation from the government can never be a solution, meaning there must be a way out of it.”

Expressing his determination to find lasting solutions, Enoh outlined his proactive approach, saying, “I am determined to solve that challenge even if we have to go ahead and amend existing laws to see what provisions these laws can make to fund our sports.” 

Drawing on his experience chairing finance committees in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, he emphasized his commitment to exploring innovative funding mechanisms.

Enoh underscored the urgency of finding sustainable funding alternatives, stating, “If by the end of this year, I am still going to go back, depending on the government for 100 per cent funding for the Ministry, then it means that there is more that is required to be done.”

Encouraging sports federations to strive for excellence, the Minister urged, “I have a determination and commitment to see how we can end and tackle this challenge. Also coming from a background where I chaired and worked in a finance committee at the Senate and House of Representatives, I have a determination and commitment to see how we can end and tackle this challenge.”

In light of the upcoming African Games, where Nigeria is set to participate in 23 sports and three demonstration sports, Minister Enoh emphasized the collective responsibility to secure podium finishes.