By Ijeoma Nwankpa, Abuja Nigeria.
In a significant move to revamp Nigeria’s sports media infrastructure, the Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has embarked on strategic engagements in Paris, France, aimed at transforming the nation’s sports broadcasting landscape.
At a three-day bilateral meetings involved the NSC, representatives from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), NBC, FRCN, VON, and technical advisors, alongside France’s Thomson Broadcast—the original manufacturers of Nigeria’s Sports OB Vans.
According to Mallam Dikko, professional sports broadcasting is the bedrock for sponsorship, monetization, and sustainable development in the sports sector.
“The absence of a structured broadcasting framework has long hindered progress, but this initiative under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) seeks to change that.
The partnership will focus on upgrading existing Sports OB Vans, reviving the International Broadcast Centre at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, and training technical personnel across the country.
The work plan agreed with Thomson Broadcast includes short, medium, and long-term deliverables that aim to position Nigerian sports content for global reach and commercial viability.
Mallam Dikko referenced earlier attempts during his tenure as Chairman of the LMC, which laid a foundation for current efforts.
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for providing the political will and institutional support necessary to bring the vision to life.
“This is a game-changing move that will open new doors for sports broadcasting, Esports, and more, ushering in a new era for the Nigerian sports industry,” Dikko concluded.
