A dispute has erupted between the National Institute for Sports (NIS) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) over the ownership of a 200-bed hostel located at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The NIS claims the hostel, commissioned during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is its property and a vital component of its operations. The institute has advised the NSC to stay clear of its facilities within the stadium.
According to Jude Abu, Head of Department, Works at NIS, the hostel was built to provide accommodation for NIS students and bears an official plaque commemorating its commissioning as an NIS facility. Abu emphasized that the ownership of the property is not in doubt and remains vested in the institute. He called on unauthorized occupants to vacate the property by December 31, 2026, warning of legal action if necessary.
The dispute escalated on September 20, when the NSC removed the official NIS notice from the premises and replaced it with an eviction notice. Abu described the action as provocative and unlawful. The NIS has reaffirmed its position on the ownership and control of its facilities, stating that it is not subservient to the NSC.
The hostel complex is crucial for providing accommodation for students undertaking programs at the Abuja centre. NIS officials argue that the facility is essential for their operations and have expressed displeasure over the NSC's actions. The institute has warned that it will take necessary legal action if the NSC fails to vacate the property.
The National Sports Commission has not publicly commented on the dispute. However, the NIS has stated its position clearly, emphasizing that the hostel is its property and an integral part of its operations. The institute has provided evidence to support its claim, including the official plaque commemorating the hostel's commissioning.
The dispute between the NIS and NSC has raised questions about the management of sports facilities in Nigeria. The NIS has reiterated its commitment to protecting its facilities and interests. The institute's Director General/Chief Executive Officer, through his Special Assistant (Media), Ben Ogbemudia, emphasized that the NIS will not compromise on the ownership and control of its facilities.
The situation remains unresolved, with the NIS maintaining that the hostel is its property and the NSC yet to respond publicly. The deadline for the NSC to vacate the property is December 31, 2026. If the NSC fails to comply, the NIS has warned that it will take necessary legal action to protect its interests.
Key points
- The National Institute for Sports claims ownership of a 200-bed hostel in Abuja, citing evidence of its commissioning as an NIS facility during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
