The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has revealed plans to reduce the size of contingents for the annual National Sports Festival (NSF) from the usual 15,000 athletes to 7,000 in a bid to cut costs.

Olopade also noted that the number of officials from participating states will be reduced, with similar measures set to apply to other youth and intermediate games in the future.

Speaking to journalists in Calabar on Thursday during the week-long National Council on Sports, he said the aim is to lower funding requirements, making it possible for even the country’s poorest states to host the festival and provide opportunities for young athletes.

The NSC DG added that the commission is working toward creating a production-driven sports system over the next four to five years, moving away from the current consumption-driven model.

“We want to create a system where sports development is sustainable, and resources are used efficiently to benefit athletes at all levels,” Olopade stressed.