The Nigeria Sports Accountability Project (NSAP) has announced the introduction of an Independent Sports Ombudsman aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and good governance in Nigeria’s sports sector.
The initiative was announced on Saturday, November 7, 2026, by the Convener of NSAP and President of the Rotary Club of Benin Sports, Rtn. Douglas Ogbankwa, Esq., who described the move as an effort to address persistent concerns over administrative misconduct, financial mismanagement and lack of transparency across the country’s sports institutions.
In a press statement, Ogbankwa noted that despite the presence of several sports associations and regulatory bodies, there remains a need for an independent and accessible platform where athletes, coaches, fans, administrators, sponsors and other stakeholders can report grievances without fear of victimisation.
He explained that the proposed Ombudsman would receive and investigate petitions relating to alleged corruption, abuse of office, administrative irregularities, unfair selection processes and other governance concerns within sports federations, associations, clubs and related institutions.
The initiative is also expected to promote financial transparency by encouraging accountability in the management of public and private funds allocated to sports development.
According to the statement, the Ombudsman would provide confidential reporting channels for athletes and whistleblowers facing issues involving selection injustice, denial of welfare entitlements and contractual exploitation.
Ogbankwa further disclosed that the office would issue recommendations, refer suspected criminal activities and serious administrative violations to appropriate regulatory and anti-corruption agencies, and publish a quarterly transparency index assessing sports federations and state sports commissions on governance, accountability and athlete welfare.
He clarified that the proposed office would not replace existing judicial or administrative institutions but would complement their efforts by serving as an independent accountability mechanism within the Nigerian sports sector.
The NSAP Convener called on the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, National Sports Commission, Nigeria Olympic Committee, sports federations, private-sector organisations, sponsors, sports journalists and civil society groups to support the initiative.
He maintained that strengthening transparency and accountability in sports administration would help build a more sustainable sports economy and restore Nigeria’s standing in international sporting competitions.
The statement also announced that further details regarding the Ombudsman’s structure, nomination process and proposed office would be unveiled at a world press conference scheduled to hold next week in Benin City.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
