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Nigeria launches ambitious “RHINSE” project to transform sports landscape

"This bold initiative seeks to reset the country's sports ecosystem from a competition-driven to a developmental-driven and value-addition industry"

Samuel AkpanDecember 26, 20241 Mins read1.1k

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has launched a groundbreaking initiative, ‘Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy’ (RHINSE), aimed at revolutionizing Nigeria’s sports industry.

This ambitious plan is set to catapult the country’s sports sector to new heights, leveraging its vast potential for economic growth, job creation, and national development.

According to a statement by the Director of Press at NSC, Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi, on Thursday, the bold initiative seeks to reset the country’s sports ecosystem from a competition-driven to a developmental-driven and value-addition industry, led by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade.

Persecondnews reports that the commission aims to establish sports as a vital driver of Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and development.

At the heart of the RHINSE initiative is a three-pronged strategy: Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch (RRR). This approach will focus on revitalizing infrastructure, fostering grassroots development through school sports and professional academy programs, and promoting private sector engagement and investment in sports.

The initiative also aims to ensure sustainable and credible participation across all competitions.

The Federal Government has demonstrated its commitment to the RHINSE initiative by allocating over ₦78 billion for sports in the 2025 budget.

This significant investment will fund critical infrastructure and programs, including sports infrastructure development and the establishment of an Anti-Doping Laboratory.

The laboratory is expected to generate substantial revenue in foreign exchange, contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s sports economy.

The RHINSE initiative is anchored on institutional repositioning, restructuring of sports federations, grassroots development, and private sector collaboration.

The NSC is working to develop and upgrade key sporting facilities across the country to meet global standards.

Dikko said the projected outcome of the RHINSE program is to position sports as a key component of Nigeria’s economy and social fabric, contributing at least 3% to the country’s GDP and creating over 3 million jobs across the sports value chain.