With the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris fast approaching, the Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a successful outing for the country’s athletes.

Senator John Owan Enoh, the Honorable Minister of Sports Development, made the pledge during a media parley held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its significant support towards the sports sector.

The Minister revealed a N12 billion budget allocated by the federal government to support both Olympic and Paralympic teams. “N9 billion has been dedicated to the Olympics, while over N3 billion have been earmarked for the Paralympics,” he explained.

Senator Enoh emphasized the government’s focus on athlete well-being. “The budget prioritizes various provisions for the athletes’ welfare,” he said. “I plan to visit them before their departure to Paris to ensure all their needs are met.”

The Minister assured that the ministry will utilize all resources to ensure athlete welfare remains paramount before, during, and after the Games. He confirmed that allowances for the local training camp have already been disbursed, with those for the upcoming foreign camp to follow shortly.

Drawing inspiration from his previous visit to the Ghanaian team during the 13th Africa Games, Senator Enoh intends to personally brief the athletes in their German camp about the full extent of their entitlements.

He further confirmed that all athletes have been insured for the Olympics and expressed confidence in their performance, particularly with the implementation of the anti-doping WADA rule.

The 2024 Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8.