NOC President Gumel Calls For Good Governance In Nigerian Sports

President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engineer Habu Gumel, has called for better governance and accountability to support the development of sports in Nigeria.

Gumel made the call during a two-day seminar on Good Governance organised by the NOC and International Olympic Committee (IOC) for presidents of national sports federations in Nigeria.

The seminar was held on Monday and Tuesday in Abuja under the Olympic Solidarity programme.

The sessions were led by Dr Donald Rukare, a MEMOS instructor in governance and sports management and president of Commonwealth Sport.

Speaking during the seminar, Gumel stressed that good governance and accountability are important to the growth of Nigerian sports and the success of the country’s athletes at international competitions.

The NOC said the programme was designed to promote the Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance within the Olympic Movement.

According to the NOC, the principles include having a clear vision and strategy, strong organisational structures, proper regulations, integrity, ethics, transparency and accountability.

NOC Public Relations Officer Tony Nezianya said good governance is important for the credibility, sustainability and growth of sports organisations.

He added that national federations, as affiliates of the NOC, have a responsibility to maintain effective governance systems and operate according to their constitutions, relevant regulations and recognised ethical standards.

The seminar therefore provided an opportunity for federation leaders to improve their understanding of governance and strengthen the administration of sports in Nigeria.