The National Sports Commission (NSC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) aimed at using sports as an instrument to strengthen national security, promote social cohesion, and redirect the energies of young Nigerians toward positive ventures.
At a high-level meeting held in Abuja on August 21, 2025, the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, underscored the importance of sports in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of social re-engineering, youth engagement, and economic growth.
Mallam Dikko explained that sports have a unique capacity to unite diverse communities, empower the youth, and reduce the pull of anti-social activities.
“When young people are constructively engaged through sports, they are less likely to fall into negative tendencies. This collaboration with the NCTC is about redirecting our nation’s energy into productive and unifying channels,” he said.
The partnership, according to both institutions, will focus on community-based initiatives, infrastructure development, and youth-oriented programmes designed to create safe spaces and opportunities for young Nigerians.
Officials noted that the collaboration is expected to help athletes, sportsmen, and women channel their energy into positive ventures, while also reinforcing the broader national objective of curbing insecurity and fostering unity across the country.
The agreement marks a new dimension in Nigeria’s sports and security landscape, where sports are being deliberately deployed not just for entertainment or talent discovery, but also as a soft-power tool for peace-building and national stability.
