The Nigerian Economic Summit Group has called for greater investment in grassroots sports, describing the sector as a potential driver of job creation, youth empowerment and economic growth in Nigeria.

The group made the call ahead of the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026, scheduled to hold on November 18 and 19 at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

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The two-day event is expected to bring together government officials, sports administrators, private sector representatives, development partners, academics, coaches, athletes and grassroots sports practitioners.

Convened by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeyinka Adeboye, with support from NESG, the summit is themed, “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development”.

It is designed to move discussions beyond policy proposals towards practical measures for strengthening community participation, developing sporting talent and creating pathways to elite competition.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, NESG Head of Public Affairs and Public Policy, Seun Ojo, said Nigeria needed to recognise grassroots sports as an important part of its national economic development agenda rather than focusing only on medals and trophies.

“The enormous potential within the sector can only be unlocked through deliberate policies, sustainable infrastructure, stronger institutions and effective collaboration between government and private investors,” she said.

Ojo commended Adeboye for promoting an initiative that connects sports development with economic opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians.

She said NESG’s support would include technical and content contributions, such as designing discussion sessions, engaging stakeholders and documenting recommendations that could inform future policy decisions.

The NESG representative stressed that the summit should produce practical solutions to strengthen the country’s sports ecosystem and attract sustainable investment.

She also welcomed its focus on mass participation, school and community sports, talent development, infrastructure and the emerging grassroots sports economy.

The programme will feature keynote addresses, plenary sessions, technical discussions, stakeholder roundtables, investment dialogue and engagements with young people and athletes.

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Speakers expected at the summit include Nigeria Cricket Federation President, Uyi Akpata; former Nigeria Football Federation board member, Seyi Akinwunmi; and Confederation of African Football Secretary-General, Samson Adamu, alongside other sports administrators and industry stakeholders.