The National Sports Commission (NSC) has strengthened its ties with the Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of Nigeria (ABBFN) to enhance talent development nationwide. The partnership aims to improve talent identification, training facilities, and competition standards across all levels of the sport. NSC Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, said the collaboration would support national teams, organise championship workshops, and promote school-level fitness programmes for sustainable athlete development.
The NSC Chairman emphasised that the partnership would build a structured pathway from grassroots to elite levels, enabling Nigerian athletes to compete favourably on the global stage. Dikko also stated that the NSC would regulate gyms in Nigeria to reduce sudden deaths and mishaps, and ensure proper certification of instructors across the nation. The NSC will collaborate with the federation, endorse, and support all related programs, including the organisation of the ShapeUp Nigeria 30×30 Fitness Challenge.
The initiative aims to reduce non-communicable diseases in Nigeria and promote healthier, more productive employees. Key elements of the collaboration include logistical support and prize funding for competitions to maintain high standards in national bodybuilding championships. The partnership also covers elite and junior training workshops, targeting athletes between ages six and 21, alongside capacity-building programmes for coaches nationwide.
The NSC's partnership with the ABBFN marks a significant step towards promoting fitness as a tool for national development, youth engagement, and public health. By regulating gyms and ensuring proper certification of instructors, the NSC can prevent sudden deaths and mishaps, which are often associated with unregulated fitness centres. This collaboration also has the potential to boost economic growth, create jobs, and attract global investment into the fitness industry. The ShapeUp Nigeria 30×30 Fitness Challenge is a welcome initiative that aims to reduce non-communicable diseases in Nigeria and promote healthier, more productive employees. The partnership between the NSC and ABBFN is a positive development that can help position Nigeria as a leading player in the global fitness industry.
