Nigeria Wins Hosting Rights for 2027 AU Sports Council Policy Meeting

Nigeria has been awarded the hosting rights for the 6th Specialized Technical Committee Meeting of the African Union Sports Council, scheduled for 2027, marking a major boost to the country’s continental sports diplomacy and policy influence.

The decision was announced on Friday at the Meeting of Ministers of the African Union Sports Council held in Bujumbura, Burundi, where ministers endorsed Nigeria as host after deliberations on the future direction of sports, youth, and cultural development in Africa.

The Specialized Technical Committee is one of the African Union’s highest policy-making platforms in the sports sector. It brings together Ministers of Sports, Youth, and Culture from all AU member states, alongside permanent secretaries, directors general, and technical experts, to shape continental policies, agree on strategic frameworks, and set implementation priorities for sports development, youth empowerment, and cultural integration.

In approving Nigeria’s bid, the Council of Ministers cited the country’s renewed leadership role in African sports, its track record in hosting large-scale international sporting events, and its growing influence in youth development and cultural initiatives across the continent.

Nigeria’s successful bid followed a detailed presentation by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who outlined recent reforms in the nation’s sports administration, improvements in institutional governance, and ongoing efforts to reposition the sector for sustainable growth. The presentation also highlighted Nigeria’s experience in managing complex continental engagements and its readiness to host high-level policy meetings.

The 2027 meeting is expected to attract top decision-makers and experts from across Africa for what the African Union describes as a highly technical and outcome-driven engagement. Resolutions from the STC often shape AU-wide programmes and funding priorities, making the meeting a critical forum for defining the future of sports and culture on the continent.

Hosting the STC Meeting further strengthens Nigeria’s broader continental engagement in sports development. The country is already preparing to host the second edition of the Africa School Games in 2027, a flagship initiative designed to identify and nurture young sporting talent across Africa while promoting education, inclusion, and grassroots participation.

In addition, Nigeria is advancing its bid to host the 2031 African Games, submitting what officials describe as a strong and competitive proposal that reflects a long-term vision for sports infrastructure development, economic impact, and youth-focused growth.

Observers say the decision to award Nigeria the STC Meeting reflects confidence in the country’s reform agenda within the sports sector, led by the National Sports Commission. Under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Commission has prioritized transparency, institutional efficiency, and stronger alignment with continental and global best practices.

Beyond policy discussions, the 2027 meeting is expected to provide Nigeria with an opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage, hospitality, and growing capacity for sports diplomacy, while deepening cooperation with other African nations.

Nigeria’s selection underscores its renewed commitment to institutional excellence, continental collaboration, and youth-driven development, in line with the African Union’s broader development goals. As preparations begin, officials say the country is positioning itself not just as a host, but as a key driver of Africa’s sports and cultural future.