Nigeria is moving closer to establishing a dedicated Sports Visa category as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s sports ecosystem and position it as a hub for international sporting activities.
The move follows a high-level meeting between the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, and the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, held on Friday, February 6, 2026.
The strategic engagement focused on aligning government institutions to support the growth and development of sports through coordinated policy action.
Discussions at the meeting centred on practical ways to enhance collaboration between key agencies, with particular emphasis on removing administrative barriers that affect sports development.
One of the standout outcomes was the proposal to introduce a structured Sports Visa framework that would allow for smoother entry and exit processes for athletes, officials and international sports stakeholders engaging with Nigeria.
When fully implemented, the Sports Visa category is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s capacity to host major international tournaments and high-profile sports programmes.
The initiative is also seen as a critical step towards attracting sports-driven investments, in line with the RHINSE framework, while creating new opportunities for youth participation and talent development.
Beyond competition and investment, the proposed visa system underscores the government’s intention to position sports as a strategic tool for economic growth and national pride. By easing access for global sports actors, Nigeria aims to strengthen its global sporting profile and create a more enabling environment for sustainable sports development.
The engagement reflects a growing recognition at the highest levels of government that sports, when properly structured and supported, can serve as a powerful driver of socio-economic transformation.
