The National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has announced that Nigeria will host the maiden 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. It also positions Nigeria as a key player in the global sports ecosystem.

NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, disclosed this in Abuja during a press briefing, describing the event as a major milestone that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to transform Nigeria’s sports industry into a key contributor to national development.

Dikko said the Africa Running Conference would catalyse greater participation, talent discovery and private sector engagement while positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for international sporting events.

He said, “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 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.

He stressed that the Commission remains committed to intentionally developing sports infrastructure and creating a sustainable framework for athletics and fitness culture nationwide.

In his remarks, the Head of Road Race Running at the IAAF, Alexis Punzi Cisternino, commended Nigeria’s growing influence in global athletics, noting that the Lagos event marks the first-ever Africa Running Conference endorsed by the world body.

Cisternino explained that the event is a corporate sports engagement, not a competition for professional athletes, and will feature a two-day technical workshop focused on capacity building and knowledge exchange.

He added that the road race was first introduced in the 70s, and the second edition took place in the 80s. Around the turn of 2022 and 2023, the event was revitalised with new features, such as the London City race.

He said, “We have taken an interest in the developmental strides of Nigeria in road races and marathons; that is one of the reasons we have endorsed the Lagos road race. There will also be a technical workshop, which will last for two days, to further deepen sports in Africa.

“We want to ensure that going forward, the 10 km marathon in Abuja next year will be the same as what is going to take place in Sydney.”

He said that World Athletics’ decision to partner with Nigeria reflects confidence in the countrys expanding sports infrastructure and its commitment to elevating athletic standards across Africa.

In his address, the NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, expressed pride in Nigeria’s selection as host, describing it as a defining moment in the nation’s sporting history.

Olopade said they are determined to get all Athletics Federations in Africa, as well as corporate organisations, to be part of the Lagos road race.

He said, “Today, my task is simple: to welcome you all. And I do so with a heart full of gratitude and excitement. For those who know my background, you’ll understand why this moment is so special. To see the NSC, in partnership with World Athletics and the AFN, successfully organise this groundbreaking conference is a significant milestone.

“This is the first of its kind in Nigeria, and that speaks volumes. It shows that President Tinubu’s vision to galvanise sport into an economic tool is not just an idea; it’s already in motion. We’ve long said that Nigeria must move from being a consumption-driven sports nation to a production-driven one. Big events like this are steps in that direction.

“For World Athletics to choose Lagos over nations like Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa with historic races like the Kilimanjaro Marathon and the Cape Town Marathon shows their confidence in Nigeria and the reforms currently underway.

“These reforms extend beyond sport; they encompass housing, healthcare, and education. I specifically mention healthcare because road running is deeply connected to wellness, education, and competition. That’s what this conference represents: a holistic approach to nation-building through sport.”

Also speaking, Chief Solomon Ogba, Second Vice President of the AFN, said the event would open new opportunities for tourism and investment while cementing Lagos as a major sports destination in Africa.

Ogba said, “This championship will further open up Nigeria and Lagos City in particular as the next destination for global sporting activities.”

He revealed that the IAAF Race in Lagos will take place shortly after the popular Lagos Marathon scheduled for February 2026, marking a busy and exciting season for athletics in the city.