The House of Representatives has launched a major grassroots sports development initiative, distributing football kits and jerseys to over 3,000 community-based football clubs across Nigeria.
Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, announced during a flag-off ceremony at the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday that the initiative will benefit 3,260 local clubs, with each state receiving between 80 and 120 complete sets.
Distribution will be coordinated through committee members and legislative leadership.
“This is more than just handing out equipment—it’s an investment in our youth and in building stronger, healthier communities,” Amadu said.
“These kits represent opportunity, empowerment, and national progress. We’re shifting focus to the grassroots, where talent is discovered and character is formed.”
Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, also revealed plans to establish a National Sports Academy, already included in the national budget.
The academy will provide full indoor and outdoor sports facilities and offer professional training to secondary school-aged children identified through grassroots competitions.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, emphasized the importance of transitioning from a competition-focused sports model to a development-driven structure. He also disclosed that a comprehensive sports reform bill is being prepared and will soon be presented to the House.
The initiative marks a renewed commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s future sports stars from the community level upward.
