Budget Scam: Delta State Allocates N1.8 Billion for National Youth Games in 2026 Budget Despite No Hosting Role Confirmed

Onoja Baba

As Nigeria’s youth sports calendar shapes up for 2026, questions are mounting over Delta State’s proposed budget provisions under the sports sector, particularly the substantial allocation tied to the National Youth Games (NYG).

Details from the Delta State Government 2026 Proposed Budget obtained by SecretsReporters  reveal a line item of N1.8 billion earmarked for “National Youth Games” (budget code 053900100100.320), with an additional N600 million for “Youth Games” (053900100100.321). This totals N2.4 billion in combined youth-focused sporting provisions, even as uncertainty lingers over whether Delta will host the event.

The National Youth Games, Nigeria’s premier talent discovery platform for under-18 athletes across various disciplines, rotates among states under the oversight of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Delta State hosted the 9th edition in Asaba in 2025, where it emerged as overall winner with a dominant medal haul. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori publicly affirmed readiness to host the 10th edition in 2026, citing a prior Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2023 granting Delta hosting rights for multiple editions, including 2026.

However, a dispute erupted in late 2025 when Lagos State officials declared they had secured hosting rights for the 10th NYG. The Lagos Sports Commission Director General, Olalekan Fatodu, reiterated preparations for a world-class event, following facility inspections.

Delta’s Acting Director General of the Sports Commission, Ms. Muobo Igalase, rejected any shift, insisting the original agreement stands and the state would not accept a handover to Lagos. The NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, clarified during the 2025 Games opening that no final decision had been made, promising due process.

As of early 2026, no official confirmation has emerged from the NSC or federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development on the 2026 host. Delta has not been publicly listed as the confirmed venue, and preparations appear stalled amid the controversy.

Despite this, the state’s 2026 proposed budget, presented by Governor Oborevwori in November 2025 as the “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda”,  includes the N1.8 billion for National Youth Games and N600 million for Youth Games. These figures form part of a broader sports overhead totaling over N8 billion in proposed spending.

The budget document lists other significant sports grants, including N1 billion for Warri Wolves, N900 million for Delta Queens, and N400 million for hosting/award to victorious athletes and officials. Total sports overhead proposed stands at N8.294 billion, with N4.335 billion approved in 2025 for comparison.

Critics question the rationale for such a large NYG-specific allocation if Delta is not hosting. Hosting typically involves venue upgrades, logistics, security, athlete welfare, and prizes – costs that justify big budgets when a state is the official host. Without confirmed hosting, the funds could theoretically support athlete preparation, participation, or related youth programs. However, the line item’s explicit labeling as “National Youth Games” raises transparency concerns about potential repurposing or over-provisioning.

At the helm of the Delta State Sports Commission is Chairman Onoriode Joshua Oborevwori, brother of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Appointed in late 2024, his leadership has drawn scrutiny, with some describing it as part of a pattern of family involvement in public roles (echoing past criticisms of similar appointments in the state).

The Commission defended its 2026 estimates during inter-ministerial budget hearings in November 2025, but details on how the N1.8 billion would be utilized – especially absent hosting confirmation – remain unclear.

Stakeholders in youth sports have expressed mixed views. Supporters argue Delta’s consistent investment has built a strong talent pipeline, as seen in the 2025 NYG dominance. Detractors, including opposition voices, suggest the allocation could be inflated for other priorities or reflect optimism about reclaiming hosting rights.

The ongoing Lagos-Delta standoff highlights broader issues in national sports administration, where state interests sometimes clash with federal decisions.

The Delta State House of Assembly passed an adjusted N1.729 trillion 2026 budget in December 2025 (up from the initial N1.664 trillion proposal), signed into law by Governor Oborevwori. While sports provisions were not the focus of public debate during passage, the NYG line item stands out amid unresolved hosting questions.

Neither the Delta State Sports Commission nor the Governor’s office has issued a detailed breakdown of the N1.8 billion NYG allocation as of this report. The NSC has not commented on the budget implications or final 2026 hosting status.