President Buhari Orders Implementation Of Master Plan Committee Report Immediately

President Muhammadu Buhari today in Abuja asked the NFF in conjunction with the supervising Sports Ministry to commence the implementation of the recommendations of the committee set up to design the 10-year Football development master plan.

President Buhari gave this order when he received the committee’s report.

”This government is interested in developing a football culture that will accommodate global best practices that will also help the nation to lay a solid foundation for her domestic football, put in place professionally and efficiently run leagues, entrench a consistent and stable football calendar and create a value chain which will boost the sports ecosystem,” the President said.

”Achieving this will guarantee desired progress in continental and international competitions.

”I know that a lot of work went into putting this 10-year Master plan together. I received regular briefings on the work being done and I am happy that our goal has been achieved. I am happy that the Master plan enjoyed the inputs of a wide range of stakeholders in football.

”I am equally happy that the Nigeria Football 10-Year Masterplan (2022-2032) identified Fifteen (15) Key Areas of challenge and provided practical recommendations to address these fundamental problems that have bedeviled football development in the country.

”The implementation of the short term and medium term plans should commence.

”I believe this will signal a positive turning point for our football and a major step forward in our bid to create a conducive environment for its sustainability, viability and profitability.

”The Nigeria Football Federation, the body charged with the development of our football is directed to own and commence the implementation of this master plan under the supervision of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.”

President Buhari said the governance structure around the domestic league is weak and so standards are conveniently compromised.

However, he expressed delight that these issues and many more have been addressed by the Master Plan Committee.

The President therefore urged the NFF to salvage the domestic league at all levels, saying: “Nigeria’s football development must return to the path of focus on grassroots and youth development and an overall good governance structure around every level of its development. Nigeria now expects results.”