The National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has assured the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) that the welfare of athletes will be a top priority under his leadership.
 
This is contained in a statement issued by Ajayi Kehinde (Mrs.), Director (Information and PR) NSC, on Friday.
 
During a courtesy visit by PFAN, led by President Tijani Babangida, Dikko emphasised the Commission’s commitment to implementing policies aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.*
 
“Their welfare will not be toyed with in this administration,” Dikko stated.
 
He stressed the importance of unity within the players’ union, noting that factionalism must not hinder efforts to improve the welfare of Nigerian footballers.
 
“As far back as 2003, Tijani Babangida here is quite aware then, I had worked towards introducing a pension scheme for professional footballers and athletes in Nigeria, a vision that remains critical under the current NSC agenda.”
 
“There should be collaboration and solidarity among all stakeholders because a united sports sector is essential for achieving sustainable growth and success,” he added.

Dikko also highlighted the importance of a pension scheme for athletes, a vision he has pursued since 2003.
 
Earlier, the PFAN delegation congratulated Mallam Dikko on his appointment and commended the President for entrusting the leadership of Nigerian sports to a seasoned stakeholder.
 
They urged the chairman to address critical issues, particularly the challenge of factionalism within the players’ union, and assured him of their unwavering support as he implements transformational reforms in Nigerian sports.