The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced a partnership with the Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of Nigeria (ABBFN) to regulate gyms nationwide and boost talent development in the sport. The move is aimed at enhancing talent identification, upgrading training facilities, and improving competition standards across all levels.
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, made the announcement during a courtesy visit by the ABBFN delegation, led by President Soye Elekima. The partnership will also see the NSC support national teams and organise workshops to strengthen championship structures nationwide. In addition, school-level fitness programmes will be promoted to ensure sustainable athlete development from an early stage.
The NSC has also pledged support for various programmes, including the ShapeUp Nigeria 30×30 Fitness Challenge initiative, which aims to reduce non-communicable diseases and promote healthier lifestyles among Nigerians. The collaboration will provide logistical support and prize funding to maintain high standards in national bodybuilding competitions.
Shehu Dikko's partnership with the Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of Nigeria is a welcome move towards regulating the fitness industry and promoting talent development in the sport. However, the urgency of regulating gyms nationwide to curb mishaps and ensure proper certification of fitness instructors cannot be overstated. The NSC's support for programmes such as the ShapeUp Nigeria 30×30 Fitness Challenge initiative is a step in the right direction towards promoting healthier lifestyles among Nigerians. The potential economic benefits of hosting IFBB Fitness and Bodybuilding League events and other competitions should not be overlooked. Ultimately, this partnership has the potential to position Nigeria as a leading bodybuilding hub in Africa and beyond, creating jobs and attracting global investment in the process.
