President Buhari approves 10-year football master plan and pledges to ensure compliance

President Muhammadu Buhari has said football remains the number one sport in Nigeria and a national asset.

According to the president, his administration will resist any attempt to undermine its development.

Mr. Buhari said this when he received the 10-year football development master plan presented by Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Sunday Dare, on Tuesday in Abuja.

While describing football as "our passion and a major tool for unity", the President asserted, "It is the responsibility of the government to protect this sport, which has brought many laurels to Nigeria, and to treat it as a national asset. < /p>

"Indeed, just as I expect and demand a higher level of patriotism, responsibility and commitment from those charged with the administration of our football."

Mr. Buhari also urged all parties involved to work together in a constructive and patriotic manner.

"We have seen attempts to disrespect and undermine the institutions that oversee our sports. We have seen attempts to subjugate the national interest to narrow interests or disregard the laws of Nigeria. The Nigeria will not take lightly any attempt to inflict injury to its fortunes in football,” he added.

The President took the opportunity to clarify his expectations for the two-volume report.

He requested the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Sports and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to begin its implementation in phases.

The President said this should be done within the limits of the relevant sections of the Nigerian Sports Development Acts and the statutes of world football's governing body, FIFA.

"This government wants to develop a football culture that will adapt to the best global practices.

“It will also help the nation lay a solid foundation for domestic football and establish professionally and efficiently run leagues.

“It will also help establish a consistent and stable football calendar and create a value chain that will boost the sports ecosystem,” Mr Buhari said.

He said achieving this goal will ensure the desired progress in continental and international competitions. "I know a lot of work has gone into developing this 10-year master plan.

"I have received regular updates on the work in progress and I am happy that our goal has been achieved."

President Buhari said he was delighted that the master plan benefited from input from a wide range of football stakeholders.

“I am also pleased that the ten-year Nigerian football master plan (2022-2032) has identified 15 key areas of challenge.

"He also provided practical recommendations to address these fundamental issues that have hampered the development of football in the country.

"Implementation of the short and medium term plans should begin.

"I believe this will mark a positive turning point for our football and a major step forward in our attempt to create an environment conducive to its sustainability, viability and profitability.

"The Football Federation of Nigeria, the body responsible for the development of our football, is responsible for taking ownership and commencing the implementation of this master plan under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development ."

The president, who reviewed the state of the game in the country, expressed concern that in recent years, the development of football had gradually slowed down due to the neglect of the main orientation of the football administration.

He described the governance structure around Nigeria's national league as weak, adding that "standards are conveniently compromised".

However, he said he was pleased that these and other issues were addressed in the document.

The President therefore urged the NFF to save the domestic league at all levels, saying, “The development of Nigerian football must return to the path of emphasis on grassroots and youth development and a comprehensive structure of good governance at all levels of its development.. Nigeria now expects results,” he urged.

On the upcoming NFF executive election, Mr. Buhari reiterated his earlier communication to the body on the need for more equitable and democratic representation in the NFF Congress.

According to him, this will ensure that key stakeholders are not excluded and that the most able and competent men and women are elected to manage the affairs of the Federation.

“This government has shown political will. This will correspond to the development of the right laws and the investment...