Speaker Abbas Calls for Revival of Grassroots Sports Development in Nigeria
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has called for a strategic return to grassroots sports development in Nigeria, describing it as the foundation for rebuilding the nation’s sporting excellence and engaging its teeming youth population.
Speaking during the official launch of a nationwide sports equipment distribution programme in Abuja, Speaker Abbas expressed concern over Nigeria’s dwindling performance on the international stage, despite the country’s vast population and potential.
“We are a country of over 230 million people, yet we come back from international sports competitions without medals,” he lamented. “Smaller nations with fewer resources are outshining us. It is a clear signal that we have lost touch with the basics — grassroots development.”
The sports equipment distribution initiative, spearheaded by the House Committee on Sports, is aimed at revitalizing sports in communities across Nigeria. Each of the 360 federal constituencies will receive kits, including football boots, jerseys, and training gear, to support local clubs, schools, and youth centers.
Speaker Abbas praised the programme, noting that it reflects a strategic shift from token gestures to practical support. “This is not about symbolism. This is about equipping young Nigerians with the tools and opportunities to discover and develop their talents.”
He criticized years of underutilized sports centers and misdirected government spending, urging his colleagues and stakeholders to redirect their focus toward community-level investments that produce real results.
Beyond equipment distribution, plans are underway for the construction of mini-stadiums in selected communities. These facilities will serve as training grounds for local talent and safe spaces for youth engagement, recreation, and competitions.
“Sports is not just about entertainment,” Abbas said. “It is a powerful tool for job creation, crime prevention, social development, and national pride. We must invest in the grassroots where raw talent resides.”
This push for grassroots sports revival aligns with Speaker Abbas’s broader advocacy for localized, community-based development. He has consistently emphasized the need to address national issues — from poverty to education — by empowering communities to take the lead.
Earlier this year, during the inauguration of the House Committee on Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA)/NG-CARES, he called for improved synergy between lawmakers and local development actors to enhance service delivery in underserved areas.
The event was attended by several members of the National Assembly, officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, sports administrators, and community representatives, all of whom welcomed the initiative.
A representative of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) noted that early exposure to organized sports could lead to a new generation of elite athletes, especially if supported with proper facilities and coaching.
Parents and youth leaders from various constituencies also hailed the move, describing it as “long overdue” and a potential turning point for reviving interest in competitive sports at the community level.
As Nigeria grapples with youth unemployment, insecurity, and the search for national unity, many see grassroots sports as a low-cost, high-impact solution. However, observers caution that sustainable success will depend on continuous funding, transparency in implementation, and political will.
For Speaker Abbas, the message is clear: “We must stop building castles in the air. Our future champions are not waiting in stadiums—they are in villages, streets, and schools. If we want to win tomorrow, we must train them today.”
With the rollout of equipment already underway, attention now turns to how effectively this renewed focus will be sustained—and whether it can truly redefine the future of Nigerian sports.
