NSC moves to strengthen travel safety protocols for athletes, others
Safety
By Olawale Lawanson Alabi
Abuja, June 1, 2025 (CrestNewsOnline) The National Sports Commission (NSC) says there is now the urgent need for a coordinated national framework for safety and welfare of all athletes and their officials.
The Commission, in a statement released in the aftermath of Saturday’s accident which claimed the lives of 22 athletes, officials and journalists, said it was making it mandatory for all contingents to have comprehensive insurance coverage.
The statement signed by Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, the Commission’s Director of Press, said the move would be in line with its commitment to safeguarding athletes and officials, even though transportation arrangements for state contingents remain under the jurisdiction of individual state Sports Councils.
“Also, all vehicles used for official movement during the last National Sports Festival in Ogun were to be mechanically certified and fully insured.
“This requirement was reiterated to all participating states beforehand and will be strictly enforced going forward.
“To this end, the Commission will now convene a post-Games safety roundtable with all State Sports Commissions/Councils to review travel protocols and share safety best practices,” she said.
Ajayi disclosed that a compliance audit would be conducted ahead of subsequent festivals to ensure that all contingents meet the minimum safety, insurance, and welfare requirements.
“Stronger monitoring mechanisms will be deployed during national events to prevent avoidable tragedies,” she added.
The NSC official said the Commission was already in communication with the Kano State Government and would continue to work closely with it in response to Saturday’s tragedy.
“This incident must not be in vain. It must compel us all —- federal and state authorities alike —- to strengthen the systems that protect those who give their strength and spirit to represent our nation in sports,” she stated.
CrestNewsOnline reports that Saturday’s tragic road accident had involved members of the Kano State contingent returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Ogun State.
One of the state’s buses, conveying athletes, officials and journalists, was involved in a fatal crash around Dakatsalle town, approximately 50 kilometres from Kano city.
There were also a number of accidents involving those returning from the 22nd NSF tagged “Ogun 2024”, with the Taraba state contingent one of them and details sketchy as at Sunday afternoon.
(www.crestnewsonline.ng)
