Precious Josiah
The Nigeria Aquatics Federation has commended the National Sports Commission for facilitating the construction of the Olympic-standard swimming pools for the next three hosts of the National Sports Festival.
While commending the commission’s efforts, NAqF described the act as a landmark for development of aquatics in Nigeria.
NAqF president, Dunkwu Chamberlain, hailed the NSC’s move, saying the new facilities in Enugu, Bayelsa, and future hosts mark a major breakthrough for Nigerian aquatics.
He noted that inadequate facilities had hindered athlete prep and participation, but the NSC’s approval will boost training, competition standards, and involvement in swimming and related sports.
Chamberlain emphasized that this shows the Commission’s renewed commitment to inclusive sports growth and excellence.
Chamberlain highlighted that aquatic sports in Nigeria have struggled with inadequate facilities, hindering athlete prep and participation.
The NSC’s approval will improve training environments, elevate competition standards, and boost involvement in swimming and related sports.
Taiwo Oriss, Secretary of the federation, called the initiative a “strategic breakthrough” for Nigerian aquatics, driving long-term growth. He said it’ll boost grassroots participation and pave the way for an Olympic-size pool in every state by 2050, adding, “It’s a bold vision, and this decision brings us closer.”
The federation reassured its readiness to collaborate with the NSC and host states to ensure the pools meet international standards, boosting national sports excellence.
At the 2025 National Council on Sports meeting, the council approved:
- International-standard swimming pools for the next 3 NSF hosts
- Bayelsa (2028) and Kaduna (2030) as future venues
- National Intermediate Games for athletes 17-20 years old
- Strict age-cheating sanctions
- Expanded Council membership
- Athlete insurance across national competitions
NSC DG, Bukola Olopade, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building a more accountable sports sector, prioritizing infrastructure like the swimming pools.