The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating the utilisation of the N12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to settle outstanding salaries, bonuses and other obligations owed to national team players and officials.

The development was disclosed in a letter signed by Onoja Joshua on behalf of the NFF General Secretary, in response to a request for financial records and documents detailing how the fund was utilised.

In the letter, referenced NFF/LEG/10/1/879, the federation said it could not provide the requested documents because the matter was already under investigation by the two anti-corruption agencies.

“It is my instruction to inform you that the subject matter of the request under the Freedom of Information Act is the subject of investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC),” the letter stated.

The NFF added that all documents relating to the request were currently with the EFCC and ICPC.

The federation, however, did not disclose the specific transactions or activities being investigated, when the probes commenced or whether any of its officials had been questioned.

The investigation comes amid increasing scrutiny of the management and financing of Nigerian football, following the poor performances of several national teams and growing calls for reforms within the NFF.

The N12 billion intervention fund was approved by President Bola Tinubu in January 2024 to clear outstanding obligations to Nigeria’s national teams. The funds were expected to cover up to 15 months of unpaid salaries for Super Eagles coaches, players’ allowances and other payments owed to the senior men’s and women’s teams as well as the Under-20 side.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Sports has summoned officials of the NFF and National Sports Commission (NSC) for an emergency meeting over concerns about Nigeria’s declining football fortunes.

EFCC, ICPC Probe N12bn NFF Intervention Fund

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