Nigeria Elevates Shooting Sports Infrastructure to International Standards
The National Sports Commission in Nigeria is spearheading a significant upgrade of the nation’s shooting range in Abuja, a move heralded as a crucial step towards fostering elite performance and aligning with the federal government’s “renewed hope agenda.” This initiative promises to transform the facility into a world-class training and competition venue, marking a new era for shooting sports within the country.
Commodore Mohammed Shettima, President of the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF), expressed his profound gratitude for the swift support received from the National Sports Commission (NSC) and its partners. He emphasized that this upgrade signifies a genuine commitment to the long-term development and institutional reform of shooting sports in Nigeria.
“I extend my deep appreciation to the Chairman and DG of the NSC for the prompt response to my request to upgrade the national shooting range,” Shettima stated. “I also thank the President of the NOC for throwing his weight behind this laudable project. I believe this is one of many deliverables we are poised to achieve since assuming leadership of the NSSF, which are all geared towards the achievement of the renewed hope agenda of the GCFR, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The ambitious project, officially announced at the shooting complex within the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, involves a strategic collaboration between the National Sports Commission, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and Gray Insignia Nigeria Limited. These entities will jointly undertake the upgrade, construction, and management of the federation’s training range to meet stringent international specifications.
Representing the NSC leadership, Mohammed Rabiu acknowledged the facility’s history of neglect, stating that it had suffered “years of neglect” but is now poised for a “comprehensive transformation.” He attributed the current intervention to the foundational vision of the former NSSF leadership, whose efforts paved the way for this significant development.
Rabiu further elaborated on the NSC’s evolving approach, which now prioritizes economic sustainability alongside sporting excellence. A stronger emphasis on private sector collaboration is central to this strategy. The upgraded facility is anticipated to not only attract international competitions but also generate revenue, thereby reducing the nation’s reliance on public funding for sports development.
“The government has included us amongst those generating revenue, rather than being a social agency,” Rabiu remarked. “We must encourage our partners to achieve this so others will be inspired to invest.”
To ensure efficient management and responsible utilization of the enhanced facility, the NSSF will be required to submit a structured list of athletes and officials slated to use the range.
A Vision for Continental Leadership and Global Competitiveness
The optimism surrounding this upgrade extends to former NSSF President, Retired General Lonsdale Adeoye. He expressed confidence that the improved range will position Nigeria as a leading hub for shooting sports across the continent. Adeoye recalled that the original facility was constructed as an incomplete structure, and this current project presents a timely opportunity to finally achieve global benchmarks in shooting sports infrastructure.
“We have the capacity to grow more than this,” Adeoye commented, hinting at the sport’s untapped potential. “We can’t argue with them, but I know God will help us get to that stage soonest.”
He lauded President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda and expressed encouragement by the caliber of stakeholders now involved in this critical project. Adeoye pledged unwavering cooperation to the new NSSF leadership and outlined plans to further integrate private sector investment, cultivate local coaching expertise, and ensure professional facility management.
“We do not dream mediocrity,” he asserted, highlighting the NSSF’s achievement in training 33 coaches and gate C coaches, a feat he described as exceptional.
A Partnership for State-of-the-Art Facilities and Future Success
The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of DICON Gray Insignia Nigeria Limited, Bem Garba, underscored the significance of the partnership, describing it as the fulfillment of a long-held ambition to contribute substantially to the growth of shooting sports in Nigeria. He cited the company’s extensive experience in designing shooting ranges and executing complex projects as a testament to their readiness for this undertaking.
“Since 2012, we have been under divine preparation,” Garba stated. “Our journey has included designing shooting ranges and developing various projects. However, our aspiration to contribute to shooting sports had not materialised until now.”
Garba emphasized the strategic importance of shooting sports at national, continental, and global levels, asserting that Nigeria’s full potential can only be unlocked through substantial investment in modern infrastructure. While acknowledging the considerable cost associated with such development, he pledged the company’s full commitment to delivering a facility of world-class standard.
“We will not hold back on expenses,” Garba assured. “By God’s grace, we will establish a state-of-the-art facility that enables our athletes, sport shooters, recreational shooters and members of the military and law enforcement to train at a competitive level with their peers worldwide.”
He further assured the NSC management and all stakeholders that this collaboration will serve as a benchmark for future partnerships. Gray Insignia Nigeria Limited is fully aligned with the NSSF’s vision of securing major medals in international shooting competitions, a goal that this upgraded facility will significantly support.
The impending upgrade signifies a pivotal moment for Nigerian shooting sports, promising enhanced training capabilities, increased international engagement, and a stronger foundation for athletic achievement.
