The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has said the commission’s decision to acquire the broadcast rights for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games is a strategic investment designed to transform Nigeria’s sports industry beyond the competition itself.
Speaking during a media engagement in Abuja on Friday, Dikko explained that the initiative will allow millions of Nigerians to watch Team Nigeria compete free of charge while creating a sustainable sports broadcasting and commercial ecosystem capable of generating long-term economic value.
According to him, the acquisition aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which seeks to reposition sports as a viable contributor to Nigeria’s economy through innovation, private sector participation, and commercial investments.
Dikko noted that the move goes beyond television coverage, describing it as part of a broader vision to strengthen sports media rights, attract sponsors, increase fan engagement, and create new revenue streams for the country’s sports sector.
“Providing Nigerians with free access to support Team Nigeria is important, but our objective is much bigger. We are building a sports economy where broadcasting rights become valuable commercial assets that can drive investment, create jobs, and support the overall development of sports in Nigeria,” he said.
The NSC chairman added that developing a robust broadcasting ecosystem will encourage greater collaboration between government, broadcasters, corporate organisations, advertisers, and digital media platforms, ultimately improving the quality and reach of sports content across the country.
He also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the visibility and recognition they deserve on the global stage while inspiring millions of young Nigerians to participate in sports.
The acquisition of the Commonwealth Games broadcast rights represents another significant step in the National Sports Commission’s ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning Nigerian sports as a sustainable business capable of attracting investment and delivering economic benefits beyond competition.
With Team Nigeria preparing to compete on one of the world’s biggest multi-sport stages, millions of Nigerians are expected to enjoy free access to the Games while the country takes another step toward building a modern, commercially driven sports industry.
