NSC allocates ₦2.1bn in 2026 budget for Ogun Sports Festival
The Nigerian Sports Commission (NSC) has come under public scrutiny after allocating ₦2.1 billion in the 2026 federal budget
The Nigerian Sports Commission (NSC) has come under public scrutiny after allocating ₦2.1 billion in the 2026 federal budget for the “promotion and organisation” of the National Sports Festival in Ogun State, despite the event having already taken place.
According to budget documents obtained by Sahara Reporters, the controversial allocation appears under the Nigerian Sport Commission’s 2026 expenditure plan, raising serious questions about fiscal responsibility and budgetary oversight at a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges.
The National Sports Festival, widely regarded as Nigeria’s version of the Olympics, was hosted by Ogun State from May 16 to May 30, 2025, following earlier postponements. The festival, tagged Gateway Games, was successfully concluded with participation from athletes representing states across the federation.
Findings indicate that the event had already been captured in the 2025 fiscal budget, while the Ogun State Government reportedly spent billions of naira on infrastructure, logistics, and other hosting responsibilities for the competition.
Further deepening the controversy, officials in Ogun State reportedly confirmed that there are no plans to host another National Sports Festival in 2026. The next edition of the national sporting event has already been awarded to Enugu State, making the Ogun allocation in the 2026 budget unclear.
The development has sparked concerns among stakeholders and budget analysts, who question why public funds would be earmarked for an event that has already been completed. Critics argue that such allocations highlight the need for improved transparency and stricter oversight in the budgeting process.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Sports Commission has yet to issue an official explanation regarding the ₦2.1 billion allocation, fueling further public debate and calls for accountability.
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