Athletes Received Allowances Before Competitions Under My Watch, Says Enoh

IKEJA, LAGOS – Former Minister of Sports Development and Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, has said Nigerian athletes received their allowances and entitlements before major sporting competitions during his tenure.

Enoh stated this while serving as Chairman at the official presentation of the book, “Perspectives on Sports Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Way Forward,” authored by Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The former Sports Minister said addressing the long-standing challenge of delayed payments to athletes was one of the key milestones recorded during his time at the ministry.

He noted that athletes had, for several years, experienced delays in receiving allowances and other remunerations, a situation he said the administration worked to correct.

“My time as Minister of Sports Development was a defining chapter in my public service journey, and it will always hold a special place in my heart,” Enoh said.

“Although the ministry faced its fair share of challenges, we also recorded notable milestones.

Among them was ensuring that our athletes, who had for many years endured delayed payment of allowances and remuneration, received their entitlements before major sporting competitions,” he added.

Enoh also highlighted the advancement of the Anti-Doping Bill as another major reform achieved during his tenure, describing it as an important step towards improving integrity and standards in Nigerian sports.

According to him, the reform was part of efforts to strengthen the sports sector and align Nigeria’s sporting system with global best practices.

The Minister said the book presentation was more than just a literary event, describing it as an opportunity to reflect on the future of sports development in the country.

He said “Perspectives on Sports Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Way Forward” would serve as an important reference material for policymakers, sports administrators and stakeholders seeking solutions to challenges affecting the sector.

“Today, I am particularly delighted that this book will serve as a valuable reference point for strengthening the future of sports in Nigeria and addressing many of the challenges confronting the sector,” he stated.

Enoh congratulated the author, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, for contributing to national discussions on sports development, describing the publication as timely and necessary.

He said sustainable growth in sports requires continuous conversations around athlete welfare, policy reforms, infrastructure and effective administration.

The event brought together sports stakeholders and professionals who examined challenges facing Nigerian sports and possible pathways towards a stronger sporting future.