Lagos State Sports Commission launches new reforms to boost athlete development and grassroots sports.
The plan introduces an online portal, coach training and better facilities to nurture future talent.
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled a new sports reform framework designed to transform athlete development, coaching standards, and grassroots sports across the state.
Announcing the initiative at a press conference on Friday, the LSSC Director General, Lekan Fatodu, said the reforms would ensure Lagos maintains its leadership role in sports development in Nigeria and Africa.
Key features of the reforms
- Online athlete portal: For the first time, the state will establish a central database for senior athletes, enabling proper enlistment, monitoring, and performance evaluation. This will curb the practice of impostors or athletes past their peak exploiting the system. Registration is open via https://lssc.lg.gov.ng/athlete-registration/.
- Grassroots development: Schools will serve as the foundation for discovering and nurturing talent, with stronger engagement of teachers, parents, and community clubs.
- Facility access & partnerships: Expanded sports facilities across all divisions and new opportunities for corporate sponsorships, NGO collaborations, and private investment.
- Coach training: Coaches will receive enhanced training and support, while being held to measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Athlete profiling & transition: Introduction of biometric data capture, regular assessments, and sustainability programs for life after competition. Athletes not meeting minimum standards after three consecutive National Sports Festivals will be disengaged but supported for career transition.
- Team Lagos monitoring unit: A new unit under the DG’s office will conduct biannual reviews, track performance metrics, and publish an annual Team Lagos report.
- Athletes’ liaison officer: An ex-athlete will be appointed to bridge communication between athletes and the commission.
“Prior to now, there has never been a central database to identify our athletes and manage their performance. As a result, impostors and athletes past their peak have taken advantage of this gap. To address this, we are introducing an online portal for enlistment, monitoring, and performance evaluation,” Fatodu explained.
He added that the reforms aim to give every child in Lagos a clear pathway to national and international sporting success, while also ensuring long-term career opportunities in coaching, administration, and other professions.
The DG also confirmed the dissolution of the senior athletes’ group, a move announced earlier following their protest on Tuesday.
