SWAN Calls for Swift Inauguration of NSC Board to Ensure Accountability and Transparency

By Muzammil Dalha Yola

In a fervent plea, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has demanded the immediate inauguration of the 17-member governing board of the National Sports Commission (NSC). The association's leaders emphasize that the ongoing delay violates the establishment laws governing the Commission, severely undermining the organization’s legitimacy and operational effectiveness.

Founded in 1964, SWAN serves as the official umbrella body for sports editors, reporters, producers, and presenters across Nigeria. In a statement issued by SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association expressed deep concern over the absence of a properly constituted board, which has left the NSC operating in a state of lawlessness since October 2024. This timeline contradicts provisions in the NSC Establishment Act 2023, highlighting a troubling gap in governance.

President Benjamin conveyed in his statement, “As a statutory board member of the NSC, I compel the Chairman and Director-General to take all necessary steps to inaugurate the board without further delay.” He called attention to the implications of operating without a duly formed board, describing it as a significant breach of legal requirements that jeopardizes both transparency and accountability within the Commission.

Emphasizing the provisions outlined in Section 2(1) of the Act, President Benjamin detailed the necessary composition of the board, which includes representatives from various sectors including ministries, sports bodies, and the organized private sector. He stated emphatically, “There is no lawful way to run the National Sports Commission without a properly constituted board,”Warned that all major decisions made since its inception lack legal backing in the current absence of an operational board.

In his assessment, the SWAN President connected the ongoing situation to broader governance issues in Nigerian sports, referencing ongoing legal disputes within the Nigeria Football Federation and emerging controversies surrounding the Athletics Federation of Nigeria elections. He criticized the current operational model of the NSC, which remains “a two-man entity” comprised solely of the Chairman and Director-General, with 15 other essential positions unfilled.

Moreover, SWAN has raised alarms about the neglect faced within the organization, particularly in relation to the appointment of experienced communication managers to oversee media operations for various sports federations. President Benjamin advocated for recognizing SWAN’s expertise, arguing that it could significantly enhance the promotion and digital marketability of Nigerian sports, benefiting sponsorship initiatives

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