Mustapha Abdullahi Pledges Basketball Reforms Ahead of NBBF Presidential Election

Posted : 12 October 2026

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, one of the aspirants for the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) presidency, has pledged to rebuild Nigerian basketball through stronger institutions, improved player welfare and a more effective grassroots development system.

Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, said his experience spanning more than 20 years in basketball had exposed the challenges limiting the sport's growth. He believes Nigeria can develop more elite players if young athletes receive better facilities, regular competition and clearer pathways into professional basketball.

His vision aligns with the Federal Government's wider sports reform agenda under President Bola Tinubu. Abdullahi said the renewed focus on the sports economy provides an opportunity to attract private investment, strengthen sporting institutions and improve the commercial sustainability of Nigerian basketball.

“My vision is to help build a professionally managed federation with stronger domestic leagues, better player welfare, sustainable commercial partnerships and clear development pathways for young athletes,” he said.

Abdullahi's basketball background includes participation in Nigeria's domestic leagues, university competitions and the national youth setup. He also played for Trafford Basketball Club in Manchester, England, gaining experience beyond the Nigerian basketball system.

His involvement in grassroots development has continued through the DAM Foundation. According to Abdullahi, the foundation has constructed a basketball court in Kano, organised competitions in Okene and supported an academy serving more than 500 children.

These initiatives have exposed him to the difficulties facing young Nigerian players, particularly the shortage of suitable courts, regular competitions and access to professional coaching. He believes individual projects can create opportunities, but lasting progress requires a coordinated national development structure.

“We need stronger institutions capable of coordinating grassroots development, supporting clubs and creating pathways into professional sports,” he said.

If elected NBBF president, Abdullahi wants closer cooperation among state basketball associations, clubs, coaches and other stakeholders. He has also identified stronger domestic leagues, improved player welfare and transparent financial management as priorities for the federation.

Commercial development is another key part of his proposed agenda. Abdullahi believes the NBBF must establish clear development plans, measurable performance targets and sustainable partnerships with private investors to reduce dependence on limited funding sources.

He also pointed to the leadership of National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade as important to the government's renewed emphasis on sports administration and economic development.

However, Abdullahi stressed that policy changes alone would not transform Nigerian basketball. Their impact would depend on effective implementation by sporting federations, state associations and grassroots organisations.

His proposed reforms come as Nigerian basketball continues to seek stronger domestic competitions and improved development opportunities for emerging talent. The forthcoming NBBF elections will determine the federation's next leadership and the direction of its development agenda.

Mustapha Abdullahi Pledges Basketball Reforms Ahead of NBBF Presidential Election

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