RismadarVoice Reporters
May 29, 2026
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) to ensure strict regulatory compliance in its operations to safeguard sports development in Nigeria.
Olukoyede made the call on Friday in Abuja when he received the Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, and members of his management team on a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters.
He stressed the importance of preventive measures in financial management within the sports sector, noting that past investigations into sports administration underscored the need for stronger internal controls.
“We always want to engage in the spirit of working together. The EFCC has had cause to investigate some of your predecessors and some of the case files are still active. There is a need for us to work together so that we prevent issues before they attract investigations,” he said.
The EFCC chairman said the commission’s Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) department would collaborate with the NSC to strengthen compliance frameworks in procurement, contract awards, and fund management.
He warned that mismanagement of grants and subventions from international sporting bodies had occurred in the past and must be avoided going forward.
Olukoyede added that the EFCC would support the NSC in identifying and addressing “grey areas” that could lead to violations of financial regulations.
“Prevention is better than a cure. People will not want to hear that EFCC is investigating the NSC. So we must put systems in place from day one,” he said.
He also commended the current NSC leadership for reforms in the sports sector, noting increased private sector interest and sponsorship in Nigerian sports.
“I have seen changes. Corporate bodies are now willing to come around to support and sponsor sporting activities. You have taken sports from just recreation to a national asset,” he said.
In his remarks, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko said his visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with relevant agencies to improve governance in sports administration under the “Renewed Hope Initiative for Sports.”
Dikko said the commission was working to reform structures in the sector through integrity systems and accountability frameworks.
He noted that Nigeria must move beyond participation in competitions to building a results-driven sports system that attracts private sector investment and delivers measurable outcomes.
He described sports as a key driver of national unity, social development, and economic growth.
