The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has pledged full government backing for the maiden Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry Games, describing the initiative as a strategic platform to deepen cohesion within the power sector and stimulate the nation’s sports economy.
Dikko gave the assurance in a statement issued on Sunday following a courtesy visit by the management of the NESI Platform, organisers of the NESI Week 2026, which will feature sporting activities for workers and stakeholders across the electricity value chain.
According to the statement, the Commission is prepared to provide both technical and institutional support for the games scheduled to hold from November 15 to 20, 2026, in Abuja. The event is expected to bring together generation companies, distribution companies, transmission operators, regulators, government agencies and other key players in the power sector under a unified platform.
Dikko noted that while Nigeria’s electricity industry is often associated with megawatts, tariffs and grid collapses, it is now embracing sports as a tool to foster unity, boost productivity and drive economic growth.
Speaking during the meeting, he said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda to expand the sports economy while encouraging collaboration and efficiency in critical sectors of the economy.
“Our mandate here is to work for every sport, for every organisation, and to provide the enabling environment for every sport to prosper, whether it is grassroots sports, community sports, or organisational sports like the one you are trying to do,” Dikko said.
He emphasised that harnessing the sports economy goes beyond elite competitions, stressing that it spans all levels of society and industry.
“If we talk about harnessing the potential of the sports economy, it is not just about elite athletes. It is across all facets of the economy, top to bottom. What you are about to do, from the zonal qualifiers to the state levels and then the finals, will have a measurable economic impact,” he added.
The Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry Games, part of NESI Week 2026, are expected to promote team spirit, healthy competition and stronger inter-agency relationships within the power sector while contributing to economic activity in the host city.
