The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over alleged misappropriation of more than $25 million in development grants received from the world football governing body, FIFA, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025.
According to Daily Post, the resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance during Tuesday’s plenary, co-sponsored by Lagos lawmaker, Adedayo Adesola, and his Rivers State counterpart, Felix Nwaeke.
Titled “Motion to sport further misuse of FIFA and CAF grants by Nigerian Football Federation,” Adesola noted that the mismanagement of grants by the global football governing body is largely responsible for the poor outings in recent times by the various national teams.
Adesola said the NFF had received millions of dollars in development grants but failed to invest the funds appropriately, contributing to Nigeria’s declining football performance.
He recalled that in December 2016, FIFA queried the NFF over the handling of a $1.1 million grant, noting that $802,000 was not properly accounted for. The then Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, subsequently ordered an independent audit of the funds.
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Adesola also referenced past probes of NFF officials by the EFCC and ICPC over allegations of financial mismanagement and sponsorship fraud.
He further alleged that $1.2 million meant for the construction of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium was misused, claiming that the completed facility is substandard and does not reflect the amount reportedly spent.
“With the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers approaching, there is a need to take decisive action against the continued misuse of football funds,” Adesola said.
The House, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, unanimously resolved to establish a special investigative committee to audit NFF finances from 2015 to date.
It also directed the leadership of the NFF to appear before the committee with records of all grants received and expenditures made within the period under review.
