ECN Boss Declares Bid for NBBF Presidency, Promises Basketball Reforms

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), has formally declared his intention to contest for the presidency of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), pledging to reposition the sport through institutional reforms, grassroots development and sustainable investment.

Abdullahi made the declaration in Abuja on Wednesday ahead of the October 15 election, describing his ambition as a commitment to building a stronger federation capable of creating opportunities for young players and advancing Nigerian basketball.

The NBBF presidential hopeful said his decades of involvement in basketball, alongside his grassroots development initiatives through the DAM Foundation, had equipped him with the experience and commitment required to lead the federation.

He outlined plans to strengthen domestic competitions, improve players’ welfare, expand women’s basketball, develop coaches and technical officials, and establish a national talent identification and tracking system.

Abdullahi also pledged to improve national team preparation, rehabilitate basketball facilities through public-private partnerships and enhance the federation’s commercial viability through sponsorships, broadcasting rights and corporate partnerships.

Unveiling his proposed 100-day action plan, he listed a financial and programme audit, a national stakeholders’ summit, a unified competition calendar, a digital registration platform, sponsor engagement and the development of a four-year strategic plan.

He called on stakeholders to support a leadership approach anchored on transparency, accountability, professionalism and measurable results, expressing his determination to move Nigerian basketball “from potential to podium.”