NFF: Dikko calls for far-reaching reforms

2026-03-27 - 23:34

The chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko delivered his keynote address to delegates at the 2026 NFF Extraordinary General Assembly in Yenegoa Monday, March 23.. The NSC boss reeled out his candid thoughts on the state of football administration in Nigeria and pointed a pathway to the future.. Dikko called for far-reaching reforms that will ensure accountability, progress, inclusivity, and aligned with both international standards and national realities. Below is the full text of the NSC Boss’ speech at the Yenegoa Assembly. Let me begin by commending the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for convening this Extraordinary General Assembly at a very critical time in the evolution of Nigerian football and sports governance generally. This gathering is therefore timely; it is necessary, and it MUST be consequential. Distinguished delegates, Nigeria is witnessing a new direction in sports governance, driven by the precise vision and unwavering commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who has taken bold, intentional, and deliberate steps to reposition sports as a strategic national asset. We have seen the restructuring and resetting of sports governance with the scrapping of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and the re-establishment of the National Sports Commission (NSC) under the Presidency (and directly reporting to the President/C-in-C) as the apex body for sports administration and regulation in Nigeria. We have seen a significant shift in sports funding architecture, with sports now treated as a first-line item, ensuring that once the Appropriation Act is signed by Mr. President, releases will follow with predictability and certainty. We have seen the approval to set up a sports infrastructure development bond with the goals to harness funding for the revamping, redevelopment, and development of our sports infrastructure across the country to align with international benchmarks. Above all we have seen the approval for sports to operate its funds management through the realm of commercial realities and banking. We have also seen a renewed national commitment to rewarding excellence, as demonstrated by the recent unprecedented Presidential awards to the Super Eagles and Super Falcons through national honours, land allocations, housing allocations, and financial rewards, which have already been delivered, with formalities for outstanding cash rewards in advanced stages of completion. Most importantly, this new direction is being operationalized through the NSC’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) framework, which is designed to transform sports from a largely consumption-driven sector into a productive industry, positioned as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, private investment, and national values. Indeed, the impact of this repositioning is already becoming evident. As recently published by Mr. President/C-in-C, the sports sector contributed over 1% to Nigeria’s GDP in the third and fourth quarters of 2025 consecutively as well as creating over 220,601 jobs both direct, indirect and induced within the same period. Furthermore, on the competition side, Nigeria won over 375 medals across all sports within the year 2025. This is a significant milestone and a clear indication that sports is no longer just about recreation or national pride, it is now an emerging economic pillar in Nigeria. These outcomes are not just symbolic, they reflect a deliberate and intentional repositioning of sports within the national development framework. They clearly signal that sports is no longer peripheral, it is now central to economic growth, youth engagement, national unity, and global positioning. The question before us, therefore, is straightforward: will our sports institutions and federations align with this new direction, or will they remain anchored in outdated systems that no longer serve the game or the country? Distinguished delegates, it is important that we speak honestly. The 2010 NFF Statutes has become obsolete. It is no longer fit for purpose, it does not reflect modern governance standards, it does not sufficiently guarantee inclusivity or balanced stakeholder participation, and it does not align with the current direction of sports governance in Nigeria as envisioned or with evolving global best practices. What may have seemed adequate in 2010 has clearly become inadequate for Nigerian football in 2026 and beyond. The game has evolved, governance expectations have changed, and Nigeria itself has moved forward. Our frameworks must move with it, and align with the Renewed Hope and Shared Prosperity Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. This Assembly therefore carries a very important responsibility. It must set aside any personal interest and or any immediate benefits, to initiate and drive a process of reform that is deliberate, inclusive, and aligned with both international standards and national realities. The reform process must ensure that all critical stakeholders, including: players, clubs, leagues, referees, coaches, administrators, etc., are meaningfully represented. It must upscale and entrench transparency, accountability, and integrity. It must look into the future to produce a governance structure that would stand the test of time and commands credibility both domestically and internationally. In addition, the reform must be economically conscious and forward-looking. It must create a structure that actively encourages private sector participation, unlocks investment opportunities, and supports the proper monetization of football assets and commercial rights, including broadcast, sponsorship, digital content, and merchandising. Football governance must now be designed not only to administer the game, but to grow its economic value as well as ensure its sustained competitiveness and success on the pitch. Let me state this clearly and without ambiguity: the system must correct itself. If it does not, the correction will be done for it. This is not intended as a critique, but as a call to action in reflection of the new governance environment. Mr. President/C-in-C has now formally recognized Sports as a national asset and is already demonstrating measurable economic contributions. As a result, football, which is the national sport of Nigeria, cannot operate outside the expectations of inclusion, accountability, transparency, and alignment with national policy direction. Indeed, football should be the driver of this vision. The National Sports Commission under my leadership remains fully committed to working with the Nigeria Football Federation and all stakeholders in this process. We are available to provide the necessary institutional support, policy guidance, and regulatory framework to ensure that the required reforms are properly structured, legally sound, and consistent with both FIFA principles and Nigerian law. This is also a moment for appreciation. The level of support that sports has received under the administration of our dear President and Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is unprecedented. It is therefore only proper that stakeholders across the sector respond with equal responsibility by aligning their structures, processes, and governance frameworks with this renewed national vision. Football, as the most influential sport of in Nigeria, must lead this process. It must set the standard. It must demonstrate that reform is possible, that governance can be modernized, and that institutions can evolve from within in line with national expectations. Indeed, it’s on record that under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR the NFF have received and continue to receive unprecedented support both above the line and below the line, financially and otherwise, to ensure its success as its success is instrumental to the collective happiness of the entire country. Thus, it’s imperative for all stakeholders to ensure the necessary reforms are implemented as a means to guarantee the continuation of this unprecedented support from the Government and for the good of the game. For context, it’s on record that the financial support and investment this Government has accorded the NFF in the last two and half years is over 200% of what the preceding Government has done for football in its entire 8 years. Distinguished delegates, in conclusion we must note that, history will not judge us by the speeches we make today, but by the decisions we take. You have an opportunity to initiate a reform process that will define the future of Nigerian football for generations to come, and history will be very kind to all of us if we are able to put down any personal interest and deliver on this objective to rest Nigeria football for the good of the collective. The time to act is now. The responsibility is yours. The nation is watching, the Government is watching and Indeed the global sports community is watching. Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.