NAYIONAL SPORTS INDUSTRY POLICY

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

Rollout Stage: Active; update under review to reflect the post-COVID sports economy and the rapid growth of Nigeria's sports betting and e-sports sectors Implementing Body: Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development; National Sports Commission; state sports councils Football Economy: Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) generates approximately N3 billion in annual broadcast and gate revenues; policy targets a 10-fold increase Global Profile: Nigeria's national teams (Super Eagles, Super Falcons, D'Tigers) generate significant brand value; monetisation of these assets is a priority

How to Access

Investors: Contact the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and NIPC for sports infrastructure PPP opportunities: nipc.gov.ng Athletes and Clubs: Register with the relevant national sports federation for talent identification and professional pathway support Broadcasters: Engage the National Sports Commission for broadcast rights licensing and content partnership frameworks Contact: Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development: mysport.gov.ng | National Sports Commission: nsc.gov.ng

Official Resources

Website: mysport.gov.ng | nsc.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Area 11, Garki, Abuja Policy Summary | Source: FMYSD, National Sports Commission, UNESCO Sport Policy Review, PwC Nigeria Sports Economy Report | February 2026

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 Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation 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.