Participation
School and community sports, youth participation, women and girls in sports, and inclusive access.
About the summit
Moving grassroots sport from discussion to action.
Creating a new Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development in Nigeria
The National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026 is a national platform bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the challenges, opportunities and future of grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
The Summit aims to move conversations about grassroots sports beyond discussion and towards practical action. It creates an opportunity for government institutions, sports organisations, the private sector, development partners, academia, coaches, athletes and grassroots practitioners to exchange ideas, build partnerships and strengthen the pathway from community participation to higher-level sporting opportunities.
Convened by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development.
- Date
- 18–19 November 2026
- Venue
- Presidential Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Nigeria
- Format
- Two-day national summit: keynote and plenary sessions, technical discussions, stakeholder roundtables, investment dialogue and engagement with young people and athletes.
Key areas of focus
Five pillars of a stronger pathway.
Talent development
Talent identification, coaching, scouting, competitions, athlete welfare and sports science.
Infrastructure
Development, rehabilitation and sustainable management of grassroots sports facilities.
Sports economy
Youth employment, entrepreneurship, sports business, investment and private-sector participation.
International pathways
Partnerships, knowledge exchange, training, scholarships, scouting and international opportunities.
What the summit seeks to achieve
- Practical recommendations for strengthening school, community and talent-development pathways
- Stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, sports organisations and development partners
- Identification of investment opportunities
- A framework for follow-up actions beyond the event
Who is expected to attend
A national coalition for grassroots sport.
Federal and state government representativesGovernors and state governmentsNational Sports Commission and public institutionsLocal governments and ALGONNational and international sports federationsAdministrators, coaches and scoutsAthletes and young sportspeopleSchool and community sports representativesPrivate-sector leaders and investorsFinancial institutions and sponsorsDevelopment partners and academiaSports entrepreneurs and businesses
Listed categories are expected participants, not confirmed attendees.
Speakers & special guests
- The President
- Chairman, National Sports Commission
- Director-General, National Sports Commission
- Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development
- A host of public and private sector special invitees
Speaker line-up to be confirmed by the organising team.