The Federal Government is exploring the economic and security potential of Nigeria’s emerging horse racing industry, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has said.
The Minister made this known on Thursday while receiving the Chairman of the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, Alhaji Tajudeen Aminu Dantata, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo praised the Federation’s renewed efforts to unlock the industry’s economic value, saying horse racing presents new opportunities for investment, youth engagement, tokenization, and asset monetization.
He stressed that innovative economic initiatives capable of productively engaging young people help counter negative ideologies and strengthen national security.
According to him, “only an ideology can counter an ideology,” adding that economic empowerment remains one of the strongest tools for promoting stability.
The Minister assured the delegation of the Ministry’s readiness to provide the security framework required for new industries to thrive, noting that opening the nation’s economic ecosystem is a priority of the present administration.
Reiterating Nigeria’s potential in the sector, he said, “It is never too late to start something fresh when the opportunity can support long-term national development.”
Earlier, Alhaji Dantata commended the Ministry’s reforms especially in immigration services which he described as the most efficient he has witnessed. He highlighted the global economic impact of major horse racing events such as the Epsom Derby and the Dubai World Cup, noting that Nigeria’s own equestrian culture, including the Durbar festivals, provides a strong foundation for growth.
He also disclosed the Federation’s plan to secure Nigeria’s first participation in the Dubai World Cup, in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dantata affirmed the Federation’s readiness to fund its strategic programmes and invited the Minister to upcoming events designed to showcase Nigeria’s potential on the global horse racing stage.
