Nigeria set to host maiden National Sports Tourism Conference in Abuja

By Maxwell Kumoye 
 
 
Nigeria is set to take a bold step in redefining the business of sports as preparations hit top gear for the maiden National Sports Tourism Conference and Exhibition NASTOCE 2026

The Sports Tourism Conference and Exhibition NASTOCE 2026 is a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the Ringo Sport Club Nigeria (RSCN).

Endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy and supported by a coalition of key federal MDAs, the two-day event will hold on March 30–31, 2026 at the prestigious Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

With the theme “Leveraging on the Inter-Section of Multi Sectoral MDAs to Promote Sports Tourism in Nigeria,” the conference aims to unlock the powerful connection between sports and tourism.

These sectors are recognized worldwide as economic game changers.

President of RSCN and Chairman of the National Organizing Committee, Malam Ahmed Mohammed Sule, described the conference as a strategic platform designed to deepen collaboration among:

• Ministries
• Departments and agencies 

This first of its kind conference is expected to attract private sector participation to grow Nigeria’s sports tourism ecosystem.

According to Sule, the intersection of sports and travel is a fast-emerging global industry capable of delivering massive socio-economic dividends. 

With Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and passionate sporting population, the country is positioned to tap into this lucrative space.

The conference will feature thought-provoking sub-themes focusing on:

• The economic impact of sports tourism
• Youth empowerment through sports-driven programs
• Infrastructure development
• Media and marketing strategies
• Digital innovation
• Sustainable practices
• Funding mechanisms
• Public-private partnerships

Critical conversations will also examine:

• Security architecture for sports tourism
• Policy frameworks
• Defence collaboration
• The role of military sports diplomacy in fostering national peace and economic growth

Stakeholders expected at the event include the National Sports Commission, sports federations, tour and travel operators, aviation and maritime administrators, security agencies, financial institutions, digital economy drivers, and representatives of the Ministries of Defence, Information, Interior, Trade and Investment, among others.

Beyond the conference sessions, NASTOCE 2026 will host exhibitions showcasing sports facilities and tourism destinations, B2B and G2B networking sessions, the inauguration of patrons and board members of RSCN, as well as the launch of tourism thematic compilations.

The event will climax with an Award and Gala Nite which is a socio-cultural celebration recognizing outstanding contributors to Nigeria’s sports and tourism industries.

As Abuja prepares to welcome industry leaders, policymakers, investors and enthusiasts, NASTOCE 2026 is shaping up to be more than just a conference.

It is a strategic movement, one aimed at positioning Nigeria as a competitive force in the global sports tourism market.
 

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