Former Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has urged the Nigerian government to integrate sports more deliberately into the nation’s development strategy, describing it as both an economic driver and a professional career path.

Fashola made the call on Sunday while delivering a lecture titled “Re-thinking the Current Football Business Model in Nigeria as a Catalyst for Sports Development” at the unveiling of veteran sports journalist Dr. Mumini Alao’s autobiography.

The former Lagos State governor recalled his efforts to incorporate sports into the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (2017–2020) during his tenure, stressing that the next step is creating nationwide awareness through all media platforms.

He called for manpower development in sports education from primary school to university level, involving the National Union of Teachers, school principals, and the National Universities Commission to strengthen sports faculties.

Highlighting the need for infrastructure, governance, and proper regulations, Fashola urged the creation of a national sports calendar linking grassroots and school competitions to national and international events.

He also proposed fiscal incentives, such as tax credits and import duty concessions, to encourage investment in sports facilities and sponsorships.

“Our international and diplomatic relations must consciously embrace this mission,” he added, citing potential partnerships with countries like Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Kenya for targeted training expertise.

On funding, Fashola maintained that a well-structured plan would attract resources, noting historical examples such as “Club 400” as proof.

He emphasized that sports, like other creative talents, now commands high global earnings potential.

The event drew notable figures, including former Sports Minister John Owan Eno, National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, football legends Segun Odegbami and Etim Essien, sports journalists Modele Sarafa Yusuf and Aisha Falode, as well as friends and associates of the author.