The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has demanded the immediate inauguration of the 17-member governing board of the National Sports Commission (NSC), warning that the continued delay violates the Commission’s establishment law.
In a press statement issued on Sunday by SWAN Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association’s President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, expressed concern that the NSC has operated without a statutory board since its creation in October 2024, contrary to the NSC Establishment Act 2023.
"Operating without a duly constituted board for nearly a year is not only a breach of the law but also undermines transparency and accountability," Benjamin stated.
He emphasized that Section 2(1) of the Act clearly outlines the board’s composition, which includes representatives from key sectors such as sports bodies, the private sector, academia, the military, persons with disabilities, and SWAN itself.
"There is no lawful way to run the National Sports Commission without a properly constituted board. All major decisions made since October 2024 lack legal backing in the absence of the board," he added.
Governance Lapses in Nigerian Sports
The SWAN President linked the delay to broader governance issues in Nigerian sports, referencing ongoing legal disputes involving the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and controversies surrounding the Athletics Federation of Nigeria elections.
"The NSC cannot continue to function as a two-man entity—comprising only the Chairman and the Director-General—while 15 other constitutionally mandated positions remain unfilled," Benjamin said.
SWAN’s Role Neglected
The association also criticized its exclusion from key operational decisions, particularly in the appointment of qualified Communication Managers for sports federations. Benjamin argued that SWAN’s expertise is crucial in enhancing media operations, digital marketing, and sponsorship drives.
"Ignoring SWAN’s professional input is a missed opportunity for national sports growth," he stated.
Call for Compliance with Presidential Vision
SWAN reminded stakeholders that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the NSC was aimed at accelerating sports development, free from bureaucratic bottlenecks.
"A situation where unnecessary political or non-professional approaches dictate the Commission’s operations is unacceptable," the statement read.
The association vowed to keep the issue in the spotlight until the board is inaugurated in compliance with the law.
0 Comments