The Nigeria Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance (NAPHER-SD) has called on the Federal and state governments to urgently prioritise athlete safeguarding and trauma prevention to strengthen sports development in the country.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s 53rd Annual National Conference held at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, and jointly signed by Prof. Oyeniyi Pat Ola and Dr. Olufemi Onifade.

NAPHER-SD warned that without strong institutional frameworks, Nigerian athletes remain vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and psychological trauma, threatening the nation’s sporting future.

The body also urged governments at all levels to increase funding, policy support, and infrastructure for physical education and sports, while adopting safeguarding standards and trauma-informed practices in schools and sports training.

The communiqué recommended continuous capacity-building for coaches and teachers, adaptation of global safeguarding policies to Nigeria’s context, and community-based recreational programmes to promote wellness.