National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP 2019)

What Is This Policy?

The National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) reframes Nigerian sports from a welfare and representation activity into a commercial industry. It provides the strategy for developing the business, media, entertainment, and infrastructure dimensions of sport to generate employment, attract investment, and grow Nigeria's creative and services economy.

Who Does It Target?

Athletes, coaches, sporting clubs, and sports academies across all disciplines Sports broadcasters, media companies, event organisers, and sports marketing agencies Investors in sports infrastructure, technology, hospitality, and sports tourism Youth between 15 and 35 who can be engaged through sport as a livelihood, not just recreation

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Grow the sports sector's contribution to GDP to 1.5% by 2025, from a very low base Create 300,000 direct and indirect jobs in the sports value chain within five years Attract N500 billion in domestic and foreign investment in sports infrastructure, broadcasting, and events Develop a professionalised sports league system across football, basketball, athletics, and emerging disciplines

Key Features

Sports Broadcasting Rights: Policy establishes a framework for packaging and monetising Nigerian sports broadcast and digital streaming rights domestically and internationally Sports Infrastructure Fund: Dedicated fund for the construction, upgrade, and operation of stadiums, training centres, and sports complexes on a PPP basis Athlete Welfare and Contracts: Provides a standard contract framework for professional athletes covering salary, intellectual property rights, endorsements, and post-career welfare Sports Betting Regulation: Addresses the regulation and taxation of the sports betting industry, redirecting a portion of levy revenue into grass-roots sports development Talent Identification Programme: National talent scouting scheme for schools and communities, creating pipelines from grassroots sport into professional and national teams Sports Franchise Development: Policy supports the development of commercially viable sports franchises, merchandise, and stadium naming rights deals

Current Status

The National Sports Industry Policy is active and being implemented, as it provides ongoing strategies for sports development and aims to achieve targets by 2025.

Legal Framework

The National Sports Industry Policy operates under the National Sports Commission Act, the National Sports Policy, and the National Institute for Sports Act. It aligns with the National Council on Sports, the Olympic and Commonwealth Games Act, and Nigeria's obligations under the African Union Sports Council. The Consumer Protection Council Act and Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 provide the commercial and consumer protection framework for the sports industry.