Shaibu urges greater synergy between NIS, NSC

Philip Shaibu, Director -General (DG) of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), has called for greater synergy between the Institute and the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Shaibu decried the lack of collaboration among key organisations responsible for the development of sports in the country.

He noted that the NSC, NIS, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are recognised by law and should work together.

“Among the agencies recognised by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, through various bills, are the NSC, NIS, and the NFF.

“These are the three main parastatals recognised in the sports sector, especially with the suspension of the Federal Ministry of Sports.

“Other bodies are federations, except the NFF, which is recognised as a parastatal.

“As we speak today, there is no coordination among these three arms of the sports sector. We do not hold meetings.

“Since I became NIS DG, we have not had any major meeting to discuss the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, Bola Tinubu.

“I have made several attempts and have personally visited to bring everyone together so we can address the issues affecting our sports sector.

“It appears as though we are only aware of each other through the media—when you hear that the NSC is doing one thing and the NIS is doing another,” he said.

The former Edo deputy governor, however, noted that there has been progress in collaboration with the NFF, although engagement with the NSC has been challenging.

“Just last week, we had a breakthrough meeting with the NFF. We are now almost 90 percent aligned, and our technical teams are already working together.

“But this is not the case with the NSC. We have reached out, but the responses have not been encouraging.

“However, we are not deterred. We will continue to do what is necessary as an institute to ensure Nigeria retains its top position in sports in Africa as mandated by Tinubu,” he added.

Shaibu also called for the immediate constitution of the NSC board.

“I want to use this opportunity to call on the NSC to constitute its board.

“Two individuals (Shehu Dikko, the Chairman and DG, Bukola Olopade) cannot continue to run the NSC. It is against the law, and the process of constituting the board must begin immediately.

“Without a board, it is like a governor or president operating without a legislature.

“The board must be constituted for sports to be effectively managed in Nigeria and to ensure proper checks and balances.

“When I was appointed as DG, I said I would volunteer myself as a watchdog in this space to ensure everyone is doing the right thing.

“I will continue to speak out because I am part of the system. I have a passion for sports, both as a sportsman and as someone committed to giving back,” he said.

The NIS boss also used the occasion to present Nigeria’s first certified medical director for marathon races.

Shaibu criticised the country’s lack of technical expertise in spite of its abundance of talents, noting that Nigeria has long relied on expatriates to organise marathon events.

“For a long time, we have not had a Nigerian certified as a medical director for marathon races. Today, we now have one.

“He recently returned from Spain, where he completed physical training after concluding his online sessions. We now have our first certified medical director for marathon races.

“Without this certification, no gold-label marathon races, such as the Okpekpe Race, can be organised in Nigeria without employing foreign experts, which has been the case.

“It is both sad and alarming that, until now, we did not have any Nigerian with this certification.

“This is another reason the NSC board must be constituted to address issues like this and others affecting the sector,” he added.

In his remarks, Dr. Sam Ogbondeminu, the newly certified medical director, thanked the NIS and other stakeholders who contributed to his feat for their support.

He pledged to apply his expertise whenever needed.