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2024 Gateway Games hosting cost hits N2.6bn — Ogun budget details reveal

Ogun State’s budget documents shed light on the costs behind hosting the 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF)

Ogun State spent a total of N2.6 billion to host the 2024 National Sports Festival -Gateway Games, according to figures from the state’s official budget performance reports.

The 2024 budget had initially earmarked N11.3 billion for the event, but actual expenditure by year-end amounted to N2.652 billion, including N36.5 million on overhead costs and N2.615 billion on capital projects.

The sports festival, dubbed the Gateway Games 2024, officially began on May 16 and is scheduled to conclude on May 30, marking Ogun State’s 2nd time hosting Nigeria’s premier multi-sport competition in more than a decade.

Ogun State’s budget documents shed light on the costs behind hosting the 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF)

2024 Q4 Budget Performance. Photo Credit: Ogun State Govt

According to the 2025 approved state budget, an additional N2.3 billion has been allocated for related expenses, broken down into N1.261 billion for capital, N285 million for personnel, and other support costs.

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However, beyond financial commitments, organisers have faced significant logistical challenges. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, revealed that the number of athletes has exceeded projections.

“We accredited 9,040 athletes, but we are currently feeding over 11,000,” Olopade said, noting the pressure it has placed on facilities and athlete welfare.

Despite the surge, Olopade expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of the Games. The festival features over 35 sports, ranging from athletics and wrestling to swimming and team competitions, with national coaches and scouts in attendance.

Ogun State’s budget documents shed light on the costs behind hosting the 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF)

Governor Dapo of Ogun State exco members and NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and DG NSC Bukola Olopade. Photo Credit: X

According to the official medal table released by the organisers, defending champions Team Delta leads the standings with a total of 164 medals: 66 gold, 39 silver, and 59 bronze, as they chase their record ninth National Sports Festival title since 2000.

Bayelsa State remains in second place with 45 gold, 34 silver, and 30 bronze medals, bringing their tally to 109 medals.

Host state Team Ogun overtook Rivers State to move into third position. Ogun State has won 38 gold, 24 silver, and 34 bronze medals for a total of 96 medals, while Rivers dropped to fourth with 101 medals, comprising 37 gold, 28 silver, and 36 bronze.

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Edo State rounds out the top five with 31 gold, 64 silver, and 59 bronze medals, making a total of 154 medals.

Oyo State, Lagos, Osun, Abia, and Akwa Ibom complete the current top ten on the medals table. As of the time of filing this report, a total of 1,047 medals have been awarded across all events.

The National Sports Festival is a biennial multi-sport event organised by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

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