The National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), is proud to host the inaugural Africa Running Conference in Lagos.
This landmark event aims to promote health, fitness, and athletic excellence while driving increased participation, talent discovery, and private sector engagement. The conference aligns closely with the Commission’s long-term goals and the broader vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to elevate Nigeria’s sports economy.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko highlighted the vision behind the conference, emphasizing that it reflects the Commission’s goal to create a thriving sports ecosystem where sport is not just for recreation but becomes a significant driver of national economic development. 
Dikko noted that hosting a global conference of this magnitude will not only raise awareness about road running in Nigeria but also spark increased participation, talent discovery, and private sector involvement.
Dikko stressed that road running represents a unique comparative advantage for Nigeria, with immense possibilities for growth and development. 
He expressed gratitude to the Director-General and other stakeholders for their efforts in promoting the event, which has generated excitement across the country. Every state is now eager to be involved, and the momentum is building.
The NSC Chairman emphasized that the conference is about much more than running; it’s about passion, potential, and progress. It will create followership, attract sponsorship, showcase Nigeria’s culture, and promote the country’s positive image globally. Dikko urged the private sector to support the conference and invest in road races and sporting initiatives across Nigeria.
NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade welcomed the global sports community to Nigeria, expressing pride and gratitude. He highlighted the significance of the event, which marks a critical step toward building a sustainable running culture across the continent. 
Olopade emphasized that the conference is a testament to President Tinubu’s vision to galvanize sport into an economic tool and noted that big events like this are steps toward moving Nigeria from a consumption-driven sports nation to a production-driven one.
Alessio Punzi, Head of Running and Mass Participation at World Athletics, reaffirmed the organization’s strong backing for the inaugural Africa Running Conference in Lagos. He described the event as “many years in the making” and a critical step toward building a sustainable running culture across the continent. Punzi emphasized that the conference represents a strategic move toward building a full ecosystem around road running in Africa,
including grassroots development, technical training, and year-round engagement.
The Africa Running Conference will feature two days of intensive technical workshops for national athletics federations across Africa, focusing on standardization, certification, and officiating. 
The event is a statement of intent, a call to action, and a celebration of the growing synergy between sport, health, education, and economic development in Nigeria.
The conference is expected to have a significant impact on the sports industry in Nigeria, promoting health, fitness, and athletic excellence while driving increased participation and private sector engagement. 
With the support of World Athletics and the AFN, the NSC is confident that the inaugural Africa Running Conference will be a resounding success and a milestone event in Nigeria’s sports calendar.
