The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expressed its strong commitment to collaborate with the National Institute for Sports (NIS) in a renewed national effort to revitalize and promote sports development across Nigeria.
This intention was made known by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the NIS, Mr. Phillip Shaibu, to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, July 2, 2025.
A statement released by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, confirmed that General Musa welcomed the partnership, describing it as timely and essential for addressing some of the country’s current social challenges. He emphasized the crucial role sports play in national development, particularly in improving physical well-being, strengthening social unity, and engaging youth in positive and productive pursuits.
“Sports serve as more than just a physical activity—they are a powerful tool for uniting communities, building discipline, and creating pathways for young people to thrive,” General Musa said. “The downturn in Nigeria’s sporting performance is not just a sporting concern; it has broader implications for our national identity, economic potential, and internal security.”
General Musa pointed out that the armed forces have a long-standing history of contributing to Nigeria’s sporting successes, having produced top athletes in disciplines ranging from athletics to football and boxing. He noted that the military’s infrastructure and disciplined environment present an ideal platform for identifying and nurturing future talents.
He further highlighted the importance of engaging youth through structured sports programs as a strategic approach to combatting the rising tide of restiveness, drug abuse, and criminal activity in various parts of the country. According to the CDS, empowering young Nigerians through sports is a practical way to redirect their energy toward nation-building and self-improvement.
In his remarks, Mr. Phillip Shaibu lauded the military’s enduring contribution to Nigerian sports and expressed optimism that the proposed collaboration would usher in a new era of structured, inclusive, and sustainable sports development across the country. He stressed that a partnership between the military and the NIS has the potential to produce elite athletes and, at the same time, foster peace and national cohesion.
“The Defence Headquarters has always played a pivotal role in the history of Nigerian sports. With its vast facilities and regimented environment, the military can serve as a strong foundation for our national sporting renaissance,” Mr. Shaibu said. He added that beyond talent development, the partnership could serve as a model for inter-agency collaboration aimed at youth empowerment and societal transformation.
Mr. Shaibu also advocated for increased investment in grassroots sports and the reactivation of community-based programs to discover untapped talent across the country. He affirmed the NIS’s readiness to provide technical expertise and support for the implementation of sports initiatives that align with national objectives.
This high-level engagement between the Defence Headquarters and the NIS marks a promising step toward repositioning sports as a driver of unity, opportunity, and national pride.
