By Alexander Johnson Adejoh
The U.K. Government states that as of July 2023, about 63% of people in Nigeria endure conditions of poverty. This data presents a telling statistic starkly illustrating high levels of poverty that persist in Nigeria. It underscores the barriers and obstacles many individuals encounter to succeed. Despite these challenges, Nigeria has produced a notable number of elite sports professionals over the years.
In Nigeria, sports often serve as a pathway to escape poverty for numerous individuals. This underscores the significance of initiatives that foster the development of sports programs and the need to increase awareness about poverty within the nation. The following is an overview of the various methods through which sports in Nigeria contribute to alleviating poverty-related challenges for many people.
Sports in Nigeria: Reducing Poverty by Increasing Productivity
A 2015 Study by Wilfred Eze states that physical Education can collectively benefit Nigerian People and the nation. For instance, sports in Nigeria facilitate “physical growth and development, mental development, emotional development and social development.” On a broad scale, getting many children and adults into Physical Education allows them to develop essential life skills.
Physical Education is not solely a path to becoming an athlete; it can also instil vital life skills, such as hard work and dedication. The study reveals that this could have a wider effect on the nation by fostering a collective identity and reducing poverty via increased productivity. Nigeria has implemented a “Training and Retraining of Physical Education Teachers” scheme to achieve this aim, providing training for people to become Physical Education teachers and funding better sports facilities.
Statistical information on the applicability of the program is currently scarce. However, a 2021 study demonstrates the system’s benefits by showing that better training allows teachers to provide better education to children, increasing their interest in sports. Children had increased positive “attitudes and practices regarding participation in physical activity. Students also spent more time doing school-based physical activity.” This highlights the role of rewarding learning as a potential key to engaging children and influencing future generations who will grow into adults.
Sports in Nigeria: Aiding the Economy
Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) reports that as of 2021, the impact of sports in Nigeria on the Nigerian economy is vast. A quick analysis shows that it contributes to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), aiding employment opportunities, and it has an indirect multiplier effect that pertains to improvements in “public health” and “reduction in crime rates.” This is of particular significance, as it sheds light on the interplay between sports and economic development and, thus, how it aids in formulating policies to promote sustainable economic growth.
For instance, Sports have contributed “0.19%, 0.31% and 0.33% to the Nigerian GDP in 2019, 2020 and 2021” respectively and this trend shows no signs of slowing down as the sports market in Nigeria is increasing.
Based on data from the World Bank, Nigeria’s Economy is gradually recovering and stabilizing. Since 2019, there has been a steady increase in GDP growth, with a recorded growth rate of 2.9% in 2023 and a projected growth rate of 4.1% in 2026. These figures indicate a positive trend in the country’s economy, attributed to the government’s efforts to implement economic policies that promote growth and development. The sustained growth in GDP is an encouraging sign for businesses and investors looking to enter or expand their operations in Nigeria.
Sports in Nigeria: Helping People with Disabilities
Nigeria has implemented programs aimed at assisting individuals with disabilities to lead productive lives. One such initiative is the 2008 Sport for Development and Peace International Working Group, which established legislation to secure the rights of disabled persons in the sports sector. The legislation guarantees safety and assurance to those who previously felt excluded, consequently increasing inclusion.
It has allowed disabled individuals to access “low-cost” sporting activities, ensuring that poverty is no longer a barrier to participation. Furthermore, the legislation recognizes that sports in Nigeria are a catalyst “that can facilitate sustainable development” by encouraging individuals from all levels of society to partake in communal spaces.
Through sports, Nigeria aspires to become more inclusive and better equipped to combat “poverty in all its forms.” The study showed that “59.32% of participants strongly agreed, and 27.27% agreed that participation in sports influences their economic wellness positively.”
Vital Contributors
In Nigeria, the Sports Sector has experienced rapid growth and now, plays a vital role in various entrepreneurial activities. It has become a crucial component of Nigeria’s Economy, generating substantial revenue and employment opportunities. It provides a significant platform for entrepreneurship, driving Economic Growth within the country. The Sports Industry is poised for further expansion, which will create additional avenues for entrepreneurship, employment and Economic Development in Nigeria.
