The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) will host a two-day Good Governance Seminar for presidents of National Sports Federations in Abuja from September 28 to 29, 2026.
The NOC will organise the seminar with support from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Solidarity programme. The event will hold at the Starview Palace Hotel, 4th Avenue by Setraco, Gwarinpa, Abuja.
The programme will build the leadership and governance skills of federation presidents. It will also promote internationally recognised good governance standards in Nigerian sports.
The curriculum will cover sports architecture, leadership principles and qualities, and core governance principles. It will also address governance challenges, the roles of presidents and secretary-generals, and effective management of National Sports Federations.
The seminar will examine forms and areas of corruption in sports. It will also focus on practical ways to strengthen governance within sports federations.
The initiative supports the Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance within the Olympic Movement.
These principles cover clear vision and strategy, sound structures and regulations, integrity, ethics, transparency, accountability and effective control systems.
The NOC said good governance remains vital to the credibility, sustainability and growth of sports organisations.
National Federations, as NOC affiliates, must maintain effective governance systems and follow their constitutions, applicable regulations and recognised ethical standards.
IOC Names International Expert
NOC Secretary-General Babatunde Popoola said the seminar would give federation presidents an opportunity to share experiences and discuss governance challenges in Nigerian sports.
He added that the programme would help participants identify practical ways to improve administration and service delivery.
The International Olympic Committee appointed Dr. Donald Rukare to facilitate the seminar. Rukare is President of Commonwealth Sport and a MEMOS instructor in Governance and Sports Management.
NOC President Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to building the capacity of sports administrators.
He said the NOC would continue to use education, workshops and training programmes to support sports development in Nigeria.
Shehu Dikko to Open Abuja Session
In response, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, will officially declare the Abuja session open.
External links
International Olympic Committee
Olympic Solidarity Programme
Commonwealth Sport
