NIS DG seeks stronger justice collaboration, as NJI delegation visits NIS

NIS DG seeks stronger justice collaboration, as NJI delegation visits NIS

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has emphasized the importance of justice, ethical standards, and moral values in strengthening institutions, as he received a delegation from the National Judicial Institute (NJI) at the NIS office in Abuja.

Speaking during the courtesy visit led by the Administrator of the NJI, Hon. Justice B.A. Adejumo, OFR, Shaibu said the visit went beyond a routine engagement, describing it as a valuable moment of learning and reflection for the institute.

According to him, the legal insights shared by the NJI Administrator offered important lessons for the NIS management and staff.

“Beyond a courtesy visit, I believe you have brought the court of justice closer to what we want to achieve in NIS, especially in terms of ethical and moral values. We have all learnt a lot from your speech. I took time to observe my staff and I could see how much they were learning from your wise legal counsel,” Shaibu said.

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State also commended the contributions of Justice Adejumo to Nigeria’s jurisprudence, particularly the establishment and development of the National Industrial Court, which he described as a critical institution in resolving labour-related disputes in the country.

“As a comrade who has been involved in labour struggles, I know how important the Industrial Court has been in resolving disputes between workers and employers. For many of us who fought against oppression in different sectors, the Industrial Court was often the only place we could seek justice,” he noted.

The NIS Boss added that the court has helped in addressing numerous labour conflicts, thereby preventing situations that could have caused serious emotional and health challenges for many Nigerians.

He also advocated for greater inclusion of members of the public in litigation processes that affect them directly, noting that broader participation would strengthen justice delivery and public trust in the legal system.

The NIS DG further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy initially generated mixed reactions among labour activists and the general public.

“Many of us who are comrades initially had mixed feelings about the subsidy removal because we did not fully understand the implications. But at the time in Abuja, the naira had almost lost its value as people openly traded dollars on the streets. Young men were making huge profits from currency speculation without any legitimate businesses,” Shaibu said.

He noted that the policy had helped address certain economic distortions, adding that citizens should be encouraged to participate in legal processes that help protect national economic interests.

Earlier in his remarks, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice B.A. Adejumo, OFR, highlighted areas of possible collaboration between the NJI and the National Institute for Sports, particularly in capacity building and development initiatives.

Justice Adejumo proposed the development of sports programmes for NJI staff and community members, including the coaching of sportsmen and the provision of sporting equipment to support their training.

He also called for the creation of opportunities for NJI staff to benefit from specialized programmes offered by the National Institute for Sports.

According to him, the institute is accredited to run professional courses such as the National Diploma in Paramedic Technology and the National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Training, adding that scholarships for interested staff members would help build capacity and improve professional development.

“I believe these initiatives will align with NIS’ vision of restoring excellence, rebuilding capacity, and reclaiming Nigeria’s pride on the global sporting stage,” Justice Adejumo said.

He thanked the NIS Director General for granting the delegation audience despite his busy schedule and assured that the doors of the National Judicial Institute remain open for further collaboration between the two institutions.