Why NPFL Deserves Government Financial Intervention – NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko Defends FG Support
National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has defended the Federal Government’s financial intervention in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), insisting that government backing is essential to reposition the domestic league for long-term growth and sustainability.
Speaking amid criticisms over the Federal Government’s involvement in the league, Dikko said successful football leagues around the world benefited from government support during their formative years, stressing that Nigeria should not be an exception.
The former League Management Company (LMC) chairman recalled his time overseeing the league between 2013 and 2022, revealing that the lack of government support significantly hindered efforts to transform the NPFL.
“We should have been accused of negligence if we failed to do what we are doing, but now that we are doing the right thing, some people are against it,” Dikko said.
“If I had this level of government support during my time, we would have taken the league to a much higher level. Throughout my tenure, not one kobo came from government to support the league. Instead, some government officials discouraged potential sponsors from partnering with us.”
Dikko maintained that the current administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is creating the enabling environment needed for Nigerian football to thrive.
“We have always complained that the league needs support. Now that the government has decided to intervene, some people are still complaining. Our responsibility is to provide the necessary support for sports to succeed, and wherever intervention is needed, we will do it,” he added.
The NSC Chairman highlighted the Commission’s success in attracting private investment into sports, citing the ₦5 billion sponsorship secured for the National Sports Festival from a single sponsor.
According to him, similar innovations can attract major investors to the NPFL.
“We raised ₦5 billion for the National Sports Festival through innovation. If we improve the league and make it more attractive, sponsors will come.
That is why we committed ₦2.5 billion towards improving the league and supporting the implementation of the ₦2 million minimum wage for players.”
He also disclosed that leading corporate organisations had already expressed interest in sponsoring school sports, with investment commitments exceeding the NPFL’s current annual revenue.
Drawing comparisons with leading football nations, Dikko argued that government support has historically played a major role in developing successful leagues.
He claimed that the British government invested £200 million when the English Premier League was launched in 1992, while governments in South Africa and Morocco continue to provide direct and indirect support to their domestic leagues through broadcasting rights, infrastructure development and club subventions.
According to Dikko, government investment in the NPFL will eventually stimulate economic growth by creating jobs, improving player welfare and increasing tax revenue.
“The money we are investing today will ultimately return to the economy. We want to build a truly professional league where players are well paid and thousands of sporting jobs are created,” he said.
NSC Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, expressed confidence that Dikko possesses the experience required to transform the domestic league.
“If the league does not improve under Mallam Dikko’s leadership, then many questions should be asked because he understands where the challenges lie and knows how to solve them,” Olopade stated.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, also urged stakeholders and the media to support the Federal Government’s intervention.
He recalled previous instances where potential sponsors withdrew after alleged interference from government officials, describing the current administration’s willingness to support the league as a positive development that deserves encouragement.
Chairman of the NPFL Club Owners Association, Sir Okey Kpaluku, welcomed the intervention, insisting that government support is necessary before significant private investment can be attracted.
“You need funding to run a successful league. Government support creates confidence for private investors. We appreciate the Federal Government for taking this bold step to strengthen the NPFL,” Kpaluku said.
