Senate Committee On Sports Proposes Legislation to Address Unpaid Benefits of Retired Nigerian Athletes

Senate Committee On Sports Proposes Legislation to Address Unpaid Benefits of Retired Nigerian Athletes

By Niyi Busari

 In a groundbreaking move aimed at rectifying long-standing injustices, the Nigerian Senate Committee on Sports and Youth Development has proposed a new piece of legislation that will mandate the payment of outstanding benefits and entitlements owed to retired Nigerian athletes by various sports federations.

The proposed bill, titled Athlete Welfare and Entitlements Act, is currently in draft stages but has already garnered significant support across party lines. Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, announced the initiative during a courtesy visit of Samuel Okparaji Foundation at the National Assembly complex.

“For too long, our national heroes—men and women who brought pride to this country on international stages—have been abandoned after their service. This legislation is a necessary first step toward giving them the justice and dignity they deserve,” Senator Ningi stated.

The proposed legislation is expected to cover a wide range of support mechanisms for retired athletes, including the settlement of outstanding allowances, pensions, access to healthcare, and post-career development programs. It will also compel the Nigerian Sports Commission and respective federations—such as those for football, athletics, boxing, and basketball—to conduct an audit of all debts owed to retired sportsmen and women.

Among those affected are Olympic medalists, national team former national team coaches and ex-national team players, and long-serving athletes who have repeatedly raised the issue of unpaid bonuses, injury compensation, and neglected contracts.

Recently, the son of former Super Eagles star and coach, late Christian Chukwu opened up about being owed by the Nigeria Football Federation. Also, late Sam Okparaji didn't receive match bonus and traveling allowance while playing for Nigeria.

The Committee also revealed shocking preliminary findings from its recent investigations, indicating that over 100 retired athletes across various sports federations are owed cumulative benefits dating back over three decades.

Senator Ahmed Ningi emphasized that the proposed legislation would also hold sports administrators accountable for financial mismanagement and neglect. “We are not just seeking to repay debts; we are building a system where such injustices can’t repeat themselves. There must be transparency, accountability, and above all, humanity.”

If passed, the law will require all sports federations to establish Retired Athletes Welfare Units and maintain annual welfare budgets. A national database will also be created to track the status of retired athletes and ensure continuity of support.

The bill is expected to be presented for first reading in the Senate soon, with public hearings scheduled across all six geopolitical zones to gather input from stakeholders, including athletes, sports administrators, and legal experts.

As the legislative process gains momentum, many in the sporting world are hopeful that this marks the beginning of a new era for Nigerian sports—one where the sacrifices of athletes are not forgotten the moment the stadium lights dim.