By Ado Salisu
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has pledged stronger collaboration with the Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of Nigeria (ABBFN) to enhance talent development and regulate gym operations across the country.
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the federation, led by its President, Soye Elekima.
Dikko said the partnership would strengthen talent identification, upgrade training facilities, and improve competition standards at all levels of bodybuilding and fitness in Nigeria.
He added that the commission would support national teams, organise championship workshops, and promote school-level fitness programmes to ensure sustainable athlete development.
“We are committed to building a structured pathway from grassroots to elite levels, ensuring Nigerian athletes compete favourably on the global stage,” he said.
The NSC chairman noted that the visit came at a critical time as the commission seeks to regulate gym operations nationwide to reduce cases of sudden deaths and mishaps, while ensuring proper certification of fitness instructors.
He said the NSC would also endorse and support key programmes of the federation, including the ShapeUp Nigeria 30×30 Fitness Challenge, aimed at reducing non-communicable diseases and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Dikko explained that the collaboration would include logistical support and prize funding to sustain high standards in national bodybuilding competitions, as well as elite and junior training workshops for athletes aged six to 21.
He added that the initiative would also focus on developing male and female athletes for regional and international competitions, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s presence in global fitness events.
A major highlight of the meeting was the induction of Dikko into the World Fitness Sheriffs Department as a Grand Commander.
The department also declared a global “Keep Fit” campaign, encouraging fitness organisations and enthusiasts to observe regular physical activity every last Saturday of the month.
“This honour reflects our collective efforts in promoting fitness as a tool for national development, youth engagement, and public health,” Dikko said.
Earlier, Elekima said the federation was planning to host events under the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) in Nigeria, including regional classics and university championships.
He noted that Nigeria was well-positioned to host major international competitions and called for NSC’s collaboration to realise the goal.
Elekima, who also serves as Vice President of the African Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding (AFBB), said such events would showcase Nigeria’s talent and organisational capacity.
He added that partnerships with global sporting platforms, including the International Students World Games, would provide more exposure for Nigerian athletes.
According to him, the planned competitions would involve local government-level participation through initiatives such as the Gym League, aimed at discovering talents across the country.
Elekima further expressed appreciation for the support of Douye Diri, whom he credited with sponsoring the National Fitness Day bill in the 9th National Assembly.
He said hosting international bodybuilding events would boost economic growth, create jobs, and attract global investment into Nigeria’s fitness industry.
Elekima expressed confidence that with NSC’s backing, Nigeria could emerge as a leading bodybuilding and fitness hub in Africa and beyond.