The National Sports Commission (NSC) in collaboration with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), is set to host the inaugural Africa Running Conference in Lagos.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday Abuja, NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko said the event aims to promote health, fitness, and athletic excellence while driving increased participation, talent discovery, and private sector engagement.
He noted that the vision behind the conference aligns closely with the Commission’s long-term goals.
Dikko added: “First and foremost, this conference is a reflection of our vision, the vision of the NSC and that of President Tinubu, to create a thriving sports ecosystem where sport is not just for recreation, but becomes a significant driver of national economic development.
“One of the core pillars of this strategy is to host more international sporting events across all disciplines.
“This is essential to unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s domestic sports industry. So when the opportunity to host the Africa Running Conference came up, we embraced it wholeheartedly,” he added.
Dikko stressed that road running represents a unique comparative advantage for Nigeria.
“With the right focus and intentional development, the possibilities are immense.
Also, Alessio Punzi, Head of Running and Mass Participation at World Athletics, reaffirmed the organisation’s strong backing for the inaugural Africa Running Conference in Lagos.
Reflecting on his early involvement with the Lagos City Marathon, Punzi recalled a serendipitous meeting in Monaco where he first heard about the race.
Inspired by its potential, he committed to championing the event, which later earned the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label, a mark of global excellence in road racing.
Punzi emphasised that the conference is more than just hosting another international event.
It represents a strategic move toward building a full ecosystem around road running in Africa, one that includes grassroots development, technical training, and year-round engagement.