NESG Urges Nigeria to Turn Grassroots Sports into Jobs and Investment Opportunities

Posted : 12 November 2026

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has called on the Federal Government and sports stakeholders to recognise grassroots sports as a major driver of job creation, youth empowerment and economic growth rather than focusing solely on medals and trophies.

The call comes six days before the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026, scheduled for November 18 and 19 at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The summit, which has received the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to bring together government officials, sports administrators, private-sector representatives and other stakeholders to examine sustainable approaches to grassroots sports development.

Speaking at a recent press briefing in Abuja, NESG's Head of Public Affairs and Public Policy, Seun Ojo, stressed the need to integrate grassroots sports into Nigeria's broader economic development agenda.

Ojo explained that the sector has significant economic potential but requires deliberate government policies, sustainable infrastructure, stronger institutions and effective partnerships between public and private investors.

She commended the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, for championing an initiative that seeks to connect sports development with economic opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians.

According to Ojo, the NESG is supporting the summit through technical and content contributions. These include designing discussion sessions, coordinating stakeholder engagement and documenting recommendations that could influence future government policies.

She emphasised that the discussions must produce practical recommendations rather than remain general conversations about the importance of sports.

The NESG also welcomed the summit's focus on mass participation, school and community sports, talent development, sports infrastructure and the emerging grassroots sports economy.

These areas are considered important to building a sustainable sporting ecosystem that benefits athletes while creating opportunities for coaches, administrators, sports facility operators, equipment suppliers and other businesses.

The summit is expected to examine how stronger grassroots structures can attract private investment, expand participation and establish clearer pathways for young athletes to progress into professional sports.

With Nigeria's large youth population, stakeholders are expected to explore ways to transform sporting activities at the community and school levels into sustainable economic opportunities.

The two-day event will provide a platform for discussions between policymakers, investors, sports organisations and community development representatives.

Members of the public interested in participating virtually can register through the official summit website at www.grassrootssportssummit.ng.

The NESG's position places economic sustainability at the centre of the discussions, highlighting the need for grassroots sports policies that deliver measurable benefits beyond competitive success.

NESG Urges Nigeria to Turn Grassroots Sports into Jobs and Investment Opportunities

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