The National Sports Commission (NSC) has introduced a new set of safety measures for future National Sports Festivals, making insurance coverage and vehicle certification mandatory for all participating contingents.
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This move follows a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of 22 athletes from Kano State as they returned from the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
In a statement by the NSC’s Director of Press, Kehinde Ajayi, the Commission said every state must now ensure all athletes and officials have valid insurance, and that vehicles used for official transport are both mechanically certified and fully insured.
Ajayi noted that a compliance audit will be conducted before each festival to ensure that all teams meet safety and welfare standards. “The safety of athletes is non-negotiable,” he said, adding that monitoring systems will also be strengthened during national sporting events to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
The Commission plans to host a post-Games safety roundtable with all State Sports Commissions to review travel protocols and share best practices. According to the NSC, the recent loss underscores the urgent need for a unified safety and welfare framework for Nigerian athletes.
The NSC also disclosed it has reached out to the Kano State Government and pledged ongoing collaboration to support the victims’ families and prevent future occurrences.
