The Federal Government (FG) has rescinded its decision of suspending Nigeria’s basketball teams from participating in international competitions for a two-year period. This was disclosed in Abuja at a news conference on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Ismaila Abubakar.
According to him, the decision was made following a letter of appeal dated June 17, 2022, from the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and signed by Musa Kida.
Abubakar said, “The appeal letter also critically gave some key undertakings: to immediately set in motion the process of status review or constitutional amendments from stakeholders as collated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, to set up a high-powered team to reconcile all contending parties in the basketball family at home and abroad, and a commitment to work with the Ministry in the governance and development of basketball among other things.
“In securing this approval, of note is the caution that the laws of Nigeria cannot be subjugated to any other law, and every Nigerian entity must respect Nigerian laws and authority governing various sectors. Failure to do this, as with any constitutionally bound sovereign nations will attract sanctions”.
He also said President Muhammadu Buhari has mandated the Sports Ministry to ensure proper implementation of the undertakings by the NBBF and also update Mr. President on its progress.
