By Our Correspondent
.The National Sports Commission (NSC) has pledged stronger collaboration with Nigeria’s bodybuilding and fitness federation to enhance talent development across the country.
NSC Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of Nigeria (ABBFN), led by its President, Mr. Soye Elekima.
Dikko said the partnership would improve talent identification, training facilities and competition standards at all levels of the sport.
“We are committed to building a structured pathway from grassroots to elite levels, ensuring Nigerian athletes compete favourably on the global stage,” he said.
He added that the commission would support national teams, organise championship workshops and promote school-level fitness programmes to ensure sustainable athlete development.
The NSC chairman also said the visit was timely, noting that the commission would work with the federation to regulate gyms across the country, curb sudden deaths and ensure proper certification of fitness instructors.
He further disclosed that the NSC would endorse and support related initiatives, including the ShapeUp Nigeria 30×30 Fitness Challenge aimed at reducing non-communicable diseases and promoting healthier lifestyles among Nigerians.
Dikko said the collaboration would also include logistical support and prize funding for competitions to sustain high standards in national bodybuilding championships.
According to him, the partnership will cover elite and junior training workshops for athletes aged six to 21, as well as capacity-building programmes for coaches nationwide.
He added that efforts would also focus on developing male and female athletes for regional and international competitions to strengthen Nigeria’s presence in global fitness events.
A major highlight of the meeting was the induction of Dikko into the World Fitness Sheriffs Department as a Grand Commander.
The organisation also declared a global “Keep Fit” initiative, urging fitness bodies and enthusiasts worldwide to observe regular exercise every last Saturday of each month.
Earlier, ABBFN President, Mr. Soye Elekima, said the federation was seeking NSC’s support to host International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) events in Nigeria, including regional classics and university championships.
Elekima, who also serves as Vice President of the African Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding (AFBB), said Nigeria is well-positioned to host major international competitions.
“Nigeria has produced world-class athletes, and hosting these events will boost economic growth, create jobs and attract global investment into the fitness industry,” he said.
He added that collaboration with international partners would open more opportunities for Nigerian athletes on the global stage.
Elekima also expressed confidence that with NSC’s backing, Nigeria could emerge as a leading bodybuilding and fitness hub in Africa and beyond.
