Normalisation Committee: SWAN Calls for Adequate Representation

 

The Triennial National Delegates Congress of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), comprising delegates from across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, held at Zecool Hotels in Kaduna from August 26–29, 2026. The Congress deliberated extensively on the state of Nigerian sports, the welfare and professional development of sports journalists, and the role of sports in national development, youth empowerment and global competitiveness.

After exhaustive deliberations, the Congress resolved as follows:

1. APPRECIATION TO KADUNA STATE GOVERNMENT

The Congress expressed profound appreciation to the Kaduna State Government for hosting the 2026 SWAN Triennial National Delegates Congress and providing the necessary support for its successful conduct. It commended the State Government for its tremendous investments in sports facilities, security and critical infrastructure, particularly the total reconstruction of Ahmadu Bello Stadium expanded to 33, 000 seating capacity and rehabilitation of Uba Sani Township Stadium in Kaduna.

The Congress also applauded the State’s support for sporting activities and initiatives aimed at promoting youth empowerment and socio-economic development, describing Kaduna as a worthy host and urging other states to emulate its commitment to sports development.

2. PRESIDENT TINUBU’S FOOTBALL REFORM AGENDA

The Congress applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intentional and audacious call for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football, as well as the unprecedented prompt release of funds for local and major championships at regional, continental and international levels. It noted that timely funding is critical to effective preparation and participation.

SWAN fully endorsed the implementation of the 10-Year Football Development Plan proposed by the Committee led by the late Ibrahim Galadima, stressing that there is no better time than now to enforce the recommendations. The Congress urged all stakeholders to place the long-term development and prosperity of Nigerian football above sectional and personal interests.

3. NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION AND RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

The Congress commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for the impressive strides recorded in recent major sporting competitions. It particularly acknowledged Nigeria’s achievements at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the historic qualification of the Women’s Beach Volleyball team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The Congress noted that these achievements demonstrate the potential of Nigerian athletes when provided with adequate preparation, technical support and funding. It urged the NSC to sustain the momentum while strengthening athlete welfare, sports science, coaching development, grassroots talent identification and systematic preparation for major international competitions.

4. DECLINE OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

The Congress lamented the recent and shocking decline in the fortunes of women’s football in Nigeria, particularly the unprecedented failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It noted that the setback is a major concern for a country that has historically dominated African women’s football and participated in every previous edition of the Women’s World Cup.

SWAN therefore demanded an urgent strategic planning, investment and systematic overhaul of women’s football, covering grassroots development, youth pathways, the NWFL, coaching, player welfare, facilities and national-team preparation. The Congress called for a comprehensive and sustainable national women’s football development plan with measurable targets and adequate funding to restore Nigeria’s leadership position in Africa and competitiveness globally.

5. SWAN–NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION COLLABORATION

While appreciating the NSC’s recent achievements, the Congress appealed to the Commission to revisit the existing understanding on the terms of engagement and collaboration with SWAN. It specifically called for the Association’s integration into the Commission’s contingency structures and strategic communication plans. Specifically, SWAN renewed call for the NSC to allow the association handle accreditation process for Sports Journalists before and during the upcoming Intermediate Games in Lagos and National Sports Festival in Enugu.

The Congress believes that a stronger institutional relationship between the NSC and SWAN will improve information dissemination, crisis communication, public engagement and the overall impact of government sports policies. SWAN reaffirmed its readiness to partner with the Commission in promoting sports development, accountability and professionalism.

6. DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NIGERIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION

The Congress acknowledged the recent developments in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the resignation of the President, the entire Executive Committee and the Secretary-General. It appreciated the outgoing leadership for its service and contributions to Nigerian football during its tenure.

SWAN encouraged the NFF Congress, the NSC and all relevant stakeholders to approach the transition with maturity, patriotism and a collective commitment to the growth and prosperity of Nigerian football. It called for an inclusive, transparent and credible process capable of restoring stability and confidence in the administration of the game.

7. SWAN REPRESENTATION IN NFF NORMALISATION COMMITTEE/ NFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

The Congress demanded that SWAN be adequately represented in the anticipated NFF Normalisation Committee, recognising the strategic role of sports journalism in accountability, public information and stakeholder engagement within Nigerian football.

The Congress further demanded the full restoration of SWAN’s representation in the NFF Electoral College and appropriate representation on the NFF Executive Committee, stressing that the Association is a legitimate stakeholder whose voice should be reflected in the governance of Nigerian football.

8. CONGRATULATIONS TO SWAN’S FIRST MATRON

The Congress congratulated SWAN’s newly decorated and first-ever Matron, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, and acknowledged her commitment to supporting the Association and its members.

The Congress urged the Matron to sustain her detribalised, inclusive and motherly leadership, while continuing to provide guidance and support to the Association. SWAN expressed confidence that her role would further strengthen the Association’s engagement with government and other stakeholders.

9. SWAN–NUJ RELATIONSHIP

The Congress welcomed and endorsed the decision of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to readmit SWAN into its National Executive Council, describing the development as an important step towards strengthening unity within the Nigerian journalism profession, while maintaining that SWAN leadership structure bearing National President, Deputy President and Vice Presidents should not be downplayed at any point in time.

SWAN pledged to uphold the cordial, cooperative and symbiotic relationship between the two organisations and expressed its readiness to work with the NUJ in advancing the interests of journalists, promoting professional standards and strengthening the media profession in Nigeria.

10. ATHLETES' WELFARE AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

The Congress called on the Federal Government, through the NSC and relevant agencies, to institutionalise sustainable welfare mechanisms for Nigerian athletes and coaches. It urged authorities to ensure prompt payment of approved allowances, bonuses and incentives, as well as adequate insurance, medical care, training facilities and post-career support.

The Congress stressed that athletes who represent Nigeria must be treated as professionals whose welfare and dignity deserve priority. It also called for greater investment in sports science, sports medicine, coaching development and modern training systems.

11. GRASSROOTS SPORTS AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT

The Congress called for a renewed national strategy for grassroots sports development, with greater investment in schools, communities and local sporting structures. It urged the NSC, state governments and sports federations to strengthen talent identification and create clear pathways from grassroots competition to elite sport.

The Congress also encouraged greater private-sector participation through structured partnerships and incentives, noting that sustainable investment at the grassroots level is essential to developing the next generation of Nigerian athletes and reducing dependence on last-minute talent discovery.

12. SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE

The Congress called for a comprehensive audit, rehabilitation and effective utilisation of Nigeria’s sports facilities. It urged government at all levels to prioritise maintenance and modernisation rather than focusing exclusively on the construction of new facilities.

The Congress also encouraged public-private partnerships in sports infrastructure development and management, stressing that modern, accessible and properly maintained facilities are essential to athlete development, hosting of major competitions and the growth of sports tourism.

13. SPORTS JOURNALISM AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The Congress reaffirmed the strategic role of sports journalism in sports development and called on government agencies, sports federations and event organisers to provide journalists with timely information, accreditation, access and appropriate working facilities.

It also urged stakeholders to support capacity building in digital journalism, data reporting, artificial intelligence, multimedia storytelling and emerging technologies, while encouraging stronger collaboration between sports authorities and the media in combating misinformation and protecting the integrity of Nigerian sports.

14. SWAN DEMANDS INCLUSION IN MOC, LOC OF MAJOR NATIONAL COMPETITIONS

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) demanded its formal inclusion in the Main Organising Committees (MOC) and Local Organising Committees (LOC) of major domestic sporting events, including the upcoming Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival, National Youth Games and Lagos 2026 National Intermediate Games. The Association said the experience of the shabby and embarrassing media accreditation process at the Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival demonstrated the consequences of excluding the professional sports media from the planning and organisational structure of major competitions.

SWAN stressed that sports journalists should not be engaged only at the point of coverage, but integrated from the planning stage because of their critical role in media planning, accreditation, information management, publicity and projecting Nigeria’s sports image. It therefore urged the Federal Government, National Sports Commission, state governments and organising bodies to adopt a standing policy of including SWAN in the MOC and LOC of major national sporting events, to ensure more efficient coordination and professional media coverage.

15. SWAN SEEKS IMMEDIATE INAUGURATION OF NSC GOVERNING BOARD

The Congress appealed to the Federal Government to urgently revisit the implementation of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Establishment Act, particularly the prolonged delay in inaugurating the Commission’s statutory 17-member Governing Board, two years after its establishment. SWAN stressed that an operational board is essential to providing effective oversight, accountability, continuity and broad stakeholder participation in the administration of Nigerian sports.

The Association further stressed that the inauguration of the Governing Board should take place alongside the comprehensive reforms being proposed for Nigerian football, describing both steps as critical to the ongoing restructuring of the country’s sports administration. SWAN urged the Federal Government to ensure that the reform process is broad-based, transparent and guided by the relevant laws, while bringing qualified professionals and key stakeholders into the governance structure to provide the stability and strategic direction required to reposition Nigerian sports.

16. UNITY AND RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP IN SWAN

The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to unity, professionalism, accountability and adherence to the statutes of SWAN. It urged members at all levels to utilise established internal mechanisms for resolving disputes and avoid actions capable of damaging the reputation and credibility of the Association.

COMMUNIQUÉ DRAFTING COMMITTEE

1. Alhassan Kutigi, Chairman SWAN Niger State Chapter — Chairman

2. Chibuike James, Secretary SWAN Enugu State Chapter — Secretary

3. Nasir Gide, Chairman SWAN State Chapter — Member

SIGNED:

Ikenna Okonkwo ANIPR 

Secretary-General, SWAN

Kaduna, Kaduna State

August 29, 2026