Abuja, Nigeria — Thursday, 6th November 2025.
The newly constituted Board of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) convened its inaugural meeting in Abuja on Thursday, 6th November 2025, following the successful conclusion of the Federation’s elective congress. The meeting marked the formal commencement of activities for the new administration and provided a platform for the board to deliberate on key priorities and strategic direction for the Federation’s next phase of development.
The session commenced with Opening Formalities, including the Call to Order, Welcome Address by the newly elected President, and the formal Introduction of Board Members. The President, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the outgoing administration for its contributions to the growth of chess in Nigeria and reaffirmed the new board’s commitment to continuity, accountability, and progressive development.
The Review and Adoption of the Agenda and Minutes followed, after which discussions moved to the Federation’s Objectives and Direction. The Board considered the NCF’s vision, mission, and core values, emphasizing alignment with FIDE standards and a renewed focus on both short-term and long-term goals aimed at strengthening governance, visibility, and participation across all levels of chess in Nigeria.
During the Strategic Planning Session, the Board undertook a situational analysis of the current state of chess development in the country. A SWOT review was conducted, identifying key focus areas including:
- Integration of Chess into Basic and Secondary Education,
- Youth and Grassroots Development,
- National and Zonal Tournaments,
- International Participation and Representation, and
- Institutional Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement.
The Board also reviewed the Financial Overview and Sustainability Plan, which included an update on the Federation’s current financial status, a framework for the 2026 budget, and deliberations on funding priorities, sponsorships, and long-term revenue generation strategies.
In addressing Membership Development and Engagement, the meeting emphasized the need to expand membership across states and zones, improve certification and renewal systems, and enhance coordination with State Chess Associations through a unified membership database.
The National and International Engagement segment featured discussions on the NCF’s 2025–2026 Calendar of Events, including preparations for national championships, zonal competitions, and Nigeria’s participation in international tournaments. The Board also reiterated the importance of collaboration with FIDE, the African Chess Confederation (ACC), and other global chess bodies, as well as strengthening partnerships with sponsors, donors, and government agencies.
Considerable attention was given to Development and Capacity-Building Programs, which will encompass training and certification for arbiters, coaches, and organizers, as well as teacher workshops under the Chess-in-Schools initiative. The establishment of regional chess academies to nurture emerging talent was also discussed.
The Board approved the creation of a comprehensive Communication and Public Relations Strategy, to enhance the Federation’s digital presence, media engagement, and information dissemination through its website, social media platforms, and periodic newsletters.
Under Governance and Institutional Structure, the Board resolved to establish Standing Committees covering areas such as Finance, Technical, Development, Events, Communications, and Ethics. The appointment of key officers, including Rating Officers, Communications Officer, Legal and Compliance Officer, and Technical Director, was also discussed.
The meeting further considered the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the new administration, establishing clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the 2025–2026 operational period, with defined reporting templates and timelines for State and Zonal Chess Associations.
The session concluded with an Open Forum during which members presented ideas, concerns, and recommendations, followed by the summary of resolutions and next steps. The meeting ended with Closing Remarks by the President, a Vote of Thanks by the Secretary-General, and the rendition of the National Anthem.
The Nigeria Chess Federation reaffirms its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and sustainable growth as it embarks on this new administrative cycle.
