By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) says it is creating wider opportunities for corporate bodies, NGOs, social clubs, and individuals to invest in sports infrastructure, sponsorship, and athlete development as part of sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening the state’s sporting ecosystem.
Director General of the Commission, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, disclosed this during a media briefing on Friday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. He said the reforms were designed to align Lagos sports with global standards, ensure transparency, and build a sustainable framework for talent discovery and athlete welfare.
“Prior to now, there has never been a central database to identify our athletes and manage their performance. This gap allowed impostors and athletes past their peak to take advantage of the system. To address this, we are introducing an online portal for the enlistment, monitoring, and evaluation of athletes,” Fatodu explained.
According to him, the reforms are not quick fixes but long-term measures that prioritise inclusivity, measurable impact, and sustainability. He noted that schools would play a central role in the state’s renewed grassroots agenda, describing them as the “heartbeat of talent discovery.”
The Commission, he said, will work closely with teachers, parents, and community clubs to increase participation, expand access to facilities, and support coaches with better training. “Every child who embraces sports in Lagos must see a clear pathway to success, both nationally and internationally,” he added.
On athlete revitalisation, Fatodu emphasised that the new reforms go beyond producing champions to securing athletes’ careers and futures. Plans include biometric data capture for proper profiling, career transition programmes, and pathways into coaching, administration, and other professions.
He noted that regular assessments will be introduced to ensure fairness and discipline, warning that athletes who fail to show measurable improvement after three consecutive National Sports Festivals will be disengaged — though with support systems for transition.
To give structure to these changes, Fatodu announced the Team Lagos Reform & Transition Policy (TLRTP), which will set clear benchmarks for athletes and coaches. The policy includes transparent retention and disengagement protocols, as well as exit systems such as skills acquisition, entrepreneurship training, and potential job placements.
“Coaches will now operate under clear KPIs, with annual contract renewals tied to measurable performance. Continuing education and certification will be mandatory, while deserving assistant coaches will be promoted through structured pathways supported by partnerships with the National Institute for Sports, private academies, and international certification bodies,” he explained.
As part of efforts to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline, Fatodu announced that Lagos will launch the Team Lagos Open Trials 2025 across all IBILE divisions, alongside the creation of mapped sports talent hubs to ensure equal access to opportunities across the state.
For monitoring and accountability, the Commission will establish a Team Lagos Monitoring Unit (TLMU) under the Office of the Director General. The unit will conduct biannual reviews, track KPIs, and publish an Annual State of Team Lagos Report. In addition, a Sports Officer — preferably an ex-athlete — will be appointed as an Athletes’ Liaison Officer to serve as a direct bridge between athletes and the Commission.
Fatodu reaffirmed that the Lagos State Senior Team remains dissolved, warning that no individual or group is authorised to parade themselves in that capacity until a new team is formally constituted. He urged aspiring athletes to seize the opportunity by registering through the Commission’s portal at https://lssc.lg.gov.ng/athlete-registration.
“These reforms are designed to position Lagos as a continental leader in sports administration, restore discipline, and build an ecosystem where both athletes and coaches can thrive,” Fatodu stressed.