Mustapha Abdullahi, a candidate for the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), has called for a fresh direction and repositioning of Nigerian basketball.
Abdullahi, who is also Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), made the call in a statement in Abuja, stressing the need for innovation, competence, institutional discipline and a clear national vision to develop the sport.
He said basketball development should extend beyond traditional administration by linking the sport with corporate investment, international partnerships, youth development, education and the wider economy.
“Nigerian basketball does not need leadership for the sake of leadership. It needs a paradigm shift.
“It needs innovation without losing institutional discipline,” Abdullahi said.
The NBBF presidential candidate said his experience outside the traditional basketball administration structure could bring a different perspective to the federation.
“Sometimes, institutions need someone who understands the system without being imprisoned by its history,” he said.
Abdullahi said his experience in government, academia, business, energy and international institutions could help attract partnerships and investment to Nigerian basketball.
“A president of the NBBF should be able to open doors, attract partners and make Nigerian basketball visible in rooms where decisions and investments are made,” he said.
He said his involvement with basketball predated the current electoral process, noting that he had participated in the sport as a player and enthusiast.
Abdullahi also cited his support for basketball development through initiatives such as the annual DAM Foundation Basketball event in Okene, Kogi.
He said his involvement in scholarships, skills development, fellowship programmes, empowerment initiatives and community engagement also reflected his commitment to youth development.
“The young player in a neighbourhood court does not care about federation politics. He wants a pathway.
“The talented teenager wants an opportunity. The coach wants support. The professional player wants a functioning system,” he said.
Abdullahi called for greater investment and visibility for women’s basketball, as well as stronger structures for clubs and administrators.
He said these measures would promote professionalism and competence across the basketball ecosystem.
The candidate also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among basketball stakeholders, government, businesses and international partners.
“The NBBF does not need a president who only occupies an office.
“It needs a president who can build consensus around a national basketball vision and bring repositioning,” he said.
While acknowledging the value of experience in basketball administration, Abdullahi said it should be complemented by competence, vision, integrity, innovation and the capacity to deliver.
He said his proposed leadership approach would focus on development, opportunities for young players and institutional growth.
“Results are not products of familiarity but products of capacity and competencies.
“The NBBF needs a paradigm shift. It needs fresh thinking backed by proven competence,” Abdullahi said.
