National Assembly at loggerhead with Sports Ministry over lack of transparency in intervention funds for Olympic Games.
The Ministry of Sports Development has come under scrutiny from the 10th National Assembly for its lack of transparency in the allocation of intervention funds for the 2024 Olympic Games. The criticism follows report from Abuja, highlighting concerns over the handling of billions of naira allocated for Nigeria’s participation in international events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games.
Hon. Ekene Adams, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, voiced his disapproval, noting that many sports federations have had to sponsor their athletes to qualify for the Olympics without adequate support from the Ministry. Despite the federations’ efforts, the Sports Ministry still receives government funding on their behalf once the athletes qualify.
“80% of the National Sports Federations don’t get a dime from the funds allocated for them in the budget each calendar year,” Adams revealed. He advised the Federal Government to ensure that intervention funds are scrutinized by the National Assembly before being allocated.
“The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government prioritizes transparency and accountability in the allocation of funds,” Adams stated. “The intervention funds for the Olympic Games should follow the same procedure by involving the National Assembly in the scrutiny of the funds. This will ensure that the athletes, coaches, and Presidents of the Federations benefit from the funds.”
He emphasized the importance of transparency to ensure that funds are used effectively for the development of sports in Nigeria. “Without proper oversight, there is a risk that the funds could be mismanaged or misappropriated, leading to waste of resources and missed opportunities to support the dedicated Nigerian athletes who put the country’s name on the global map.”
Adams also highlighted specific issues, such as the lack of reimbursement for foreign athletes who financed their travel to the African Games in Ghana and the delayed monetary prizes for medalists. “The delay in settlement of these funds will further dampen the spirits of the athletes, which in turn may affect Nigeria’s performance at the Olympics.”
He concluded by urging support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. “The President has been doing everything to ensure that Nigeria is placed among the best in the world, and the 10th National Assembly shares this vision. Therefore, the struggle to place the country among the best should not be left to the Presidency alone.”
