PRESS STATEMENT

BAT-IG Urges Tinubu to Include Sports in 2027 Manifesto, Proposes Dedicated Grassroots Sports Fund

Abuja, November 12, 2026

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address what it described as a significant policy gap in the President’s 2027 From Reform to Prosperity manifesto by giving sports a clear and concise place in the document. The group said the oversight is particularly concerning at a time when Nigerian sports is gaining unprecedented momentum under the Tinubu administration, with the Super Eagles, Super Falcons, D’Tigress, the Flamingos and athletes across other sporting disciplines recording major achievements. The administration’s reward system has also changed the incentive structure for Nigerian athletes by linking exceptional performance with immediate tangible rewards, national honours, housing and financial support. The group believes the same commitment should now be reflected in a comprehensive sports policy covering grassroots development, infrastructure, talent discovery, employment and investment as it is already being implemented.

BAT-IG said its latest position is an extension of concrete policy advocacy it has already undertaken.

For the sports development of President Tinubu to as usual, have a grassroots superlative deliverables, it should cover all 774 local government areas and provide community sports centres for football, basketball, volleyball, athletics and indigenous games. The proposal submits that football should be a primary focus because of its capacity to unite communities, attract investment and create jobs.
This sports approach can generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs for coaches, referees, groundskeepers, administrators, medical personnel, event organisers, security personnel, media professionals, vendors and transport operators, while stimulating local economies. The group also proposes that the Federal Government establish a Presidential Committee, working with the National Sports Commission, state and local governments, private-sector stakeholders and sporting associations, to develop an implementation framework.

BAT-IG therefore advocates as an addendum to its earlier submissions, that the Federal Government create a dedicated and transparently administered sports development fund that can be deployed progressively, zone by zone, to establish football fields and multipurpose sports complexes at ward, local government and senatorial district levels. The group believes funding could be channelled through the Regional Development Commissions where appropriate, to strengthen accountability and ensure that resources reach communities. BAT-IG is sure this is necessary because sporting passion already exists across Nigerian communities, particularly among young people, but lacks the infrastructure and organised competitions required to convert that passion into a sustainable sports economy. Stronger local competitions can feed state leagues and the Nigeria Premier Football League while creating revenue through ticket sales, sponsorship, merchandising, broadcasting and hospitality.

The administration’s record in rewarding sporting excellence demonstrates why sports deserves a prominent place in the 2027 manifesto. The fulfilment of rewards promised to major national teams, combined with Nigeria’s recent successes, has shown what recognition and motivation can do for athletes. President Tinubu should therefore direct the drafters of the From Reform to Prosperity manifesto to return to the drawing board and produce a comprehensive sports agenda that captures grassroots infrastructure, talent development, employment, private-sector participation and sustainable financing.

Signed:
Comrade Bamidele Atoyebi
Convenor,
Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG)