Finance Ministry Approve National Sports Authority FY 2026 Budget
Sia Lucy Kannah The Ministry of Finance has approved the National Sports Authority (NSA) FY 2026 Budget. The budget hearing was held last week at the Ministry of Finance Conference Hall in Freetown.
According to the National Sports Authority, the unanimous endorsement followed a compelling budget presentation delivered by the NSA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai.
“Despite the limited resources allocated to the NSA over the years, the achievements recorded by the various sporting disciplines at both national and international levels have been remarkable,” said Dr. Abdulai during his presentation.
He further added that the outstanding performance of Sierra Leone’s U-17 female team at the West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Tournament in Liberia is just one example among many.
Dr. Abdulai further explained that the NSA exceeded its 2026 budget ceiling due to the scope of planned activities that align with the Government’s “Five Big Game Changers.” He appealed to the Ministry of Finance for consideration of the excess amount to ensure successful implementation.
“Although the sports sector has faced significant resource constraints in recent years, the Government of President Julius Maada Bio is now on record for unprecedented financial and moral support to sports,” he added.
Following his presentation, representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Civil Society, and Non-State Actors commended Dr. Abdulai for his transformative leadership of the NSA. They praised the Authority’s positive impact on young people across the country and jointly recommended the approval of the proposed budget.
What about the severance benefits payment balance to universities?