Nigeria’s Sports Commission Ends Dollar Payments for Athlete Grants
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Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC) will no longer pay athlete training grants in foreign currency, shifting disbursements fully to the naira as it looks to manage volatility in exchange rates and funding structures.
This follows concerns raised by sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi over the distribution of grants, prompting a response from the Commission’s leadership.
Yusuf Alli, Head of the NSC’s Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board, said the decision reflects broader financial realities. “We have decided that henceforth, all payment of training grants will be in Naira. No more payment of grants in U.S. dollars,” he said.
“We are Nigerians, and everyone knows that the exchange rate is not stable,” Alli added, noting that currency fluctuations have affected the value of payments received by athletes.
The NSC has distributed more than N200 million in training grants ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle, with funding sourced from private sector partners.
“It takes trust for sports administrators… to convince sponsors to donate money for welfare of athletes,” Alli said, defending the Commission’s approach and urging athletes to support ongoing initiatives.
Under the revised structure, athletes receiving naira payments will be responsible for converting funds independently if required. The Commission also confirmed that grant payments will soon be extended to coaches supporting elite athletes.
Source: The Guardian
