The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has called for increased investment in grassroots athletics development, with vice president Akuchukwu Aghazu urging state governments to organize more competitions to nurture talent across the country. Aghazu stated that sustained local meets would provide athletes with the competitive environment needed to improve and progress to the elite level, stressing that Nigeria’s long-term success in track and field depends on strong domestic structures. She noted that regular state-level competitions would allow athletes to sharpen their abilities, while also expanding the pool of talent available for national selection. Aghazu added that such initiatives would not place an excessive financial burden on state authorities, arguing that the system was achievable with proper planning and coordination. She further stressed the importance of collaboration with the private sector, saying corporate organizations remained willing to support sports development if effectively engaged. Her remarks come as Nigerian athletics continues to lean on a blend of home-based and overseas-based athletes, with officials increasingly focused on strengthening the domestic pipeline to sustain international competitiveness. Aghazu said the team’s performance at the World Relays in Botswana, driven largely by home-based athletes, represented a significant milestone for Nigerian athletics.