The Niger State Government has dismissed reports alleging friction between the Ministry of Sports Development and the Niger State Sports Commission, describing such claims as false, misleading, and unfounded.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Obed Nuhu Nana, made this clarification while addressing online journalists who paid him a courtesy visit in his office. The honourable commissioner stressed that both institutions are working in harmony in line with the New Niger Agenda of His Excellency, Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, to reposition sports development in the state.
The Commissioner explained that the coexistence of the Ministry of Sports Development and the Sports Commission was a deliberate and strategic decision by the Governor, aimed at enhancing visibility, efficiency, and sustainable growth of sports in Niger State and beyond.
According to him, the Ministry of Sports Development is statutorily responsible for policy formulation, strategic planning, and sectoral oversight, while the Niger State Sports Commission is focused on implementation, athlete development, and grassroots sports programmes.
He noted that this clear delineation of roles is designed to foster collaboration, efficiency, and institutional synergy rather than rivalry.
“The Governor’s decision is intentional and strategic. There is no friction whatsoever. Both bodies are complementing each other effectively to position Niger State as a major hub for sports development,” the Commissioner stated.
Mr. Nana further reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration to leveraging sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and economic development, adding that the existing collaboration between the Ministry and the Commission is already yielding positive and measurable outcomes.
The Commissioner urged members of the public to disregard unfounded rumours and misinformation, and instead support government initiatives aimed at promoting sports excellence and projecting Niger State strongly on the national and international sporting stage.
The Niger State Government remains committed to transparent communication, responsible information management, and the deployment of innovative digital strategies to counter misinformation and strengthen public trust.