FEI sets Nigeria facility inspection as federation seeks affiliation
The Fédération Équestre Internationale will inspect equestrian facilities in Abuja and Lagos over four days from September 28 to October 1, according to the Nigeria Equestrian Federation. The visit follows the federation’s recognition as an Olympic sport federation by the Nigeria Olympic Committee and is part of its application for full international affiliation.
The Fédération Équestre Internationale will begin a four-day inspection of Nigeria’s equestrian facilities on September 28 as the Nigeria Equestrian Federation advances its application for full affiliation with the sport’s world governing body. The delegates are expected to travel between Abuja and Lagos, inspecting facilities in both cities. They will also meet representatives of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the National Sports Commission before returning to Abuja on October 1.
The inspection follows the Nigeria Olympic Committee’s recent recognition of the Nigeria Equestrian Federation as an Olympic sport federation. Federation president Anthony Obiorah described the recognition as an important institutional milestone but said it marked the beginning, rather than the conclusion, of the federation’s work. Obiorah said the recognition clarified the federation’s place within Nigeria’s organised sporting structure and strengthened its ability to engage national and international sports bodies.
He added that affiliation could provide access to international events, development programmes and other opportunities under the FEI framework. Vice-president Vanessa Asuni said the immediate goal was to turn the recognition into a functioning international pathway for Nigerian riders. Priorities include stronger governance and technical structures, certification routes for riders, coaches, grooms and officials, improved veterinary and horse-welfare systems, a stronger national competition calendar and greater international exposure.
The federation also wants to identify riders capable of competing at the highest level and develop them through structured high-performance programmes. Obiorah identified funding, facilities, technical capacity, grassroots participation and veterinary systems as continuing challenges. The federation thanked National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko and Nigeria Olympic Committee president Habu Ahmed Gumel for their roles in securing the recognition.
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