President Muhammadu Buhari has said football remains the number one sport in Nigeria, a national asset that his administration will not allow to be undermined. President Buhari declared this when he received the 10-year Football Development Masterplan submitted by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on Tuesday in Abuja. While describing football as "our passion and a major tool for unity," the president said "Is is the responsibility of the government to safeguard the sport, which has brought Nigeria many laurels and treat it as a national asset. Indeed, just as I expect, I demand, a higher standard of patriotism, responsibility, and commitment from those charged with the administration of our football." Buhari also urged stakeholders to work together constructively and patriotically. “We have seen attempts to disrespect and undermine the institutions supervising our sports. We have seen attempts to subjugate national interest for narrow interest or disrespect the laws of Nigeria. Nigeria will not take lightly any attempt to inflict injury on its football fortunes,” he said.
The President used the occasion to spell out his expectations from the two-volume report.
President Buhari directed the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Nigeria Football Federation to commence its implementation in phases.
The president said this should be carried out within the fine lines of relevant sections of the Nigerian laws on sports development and the statutes of the world soccer governing body, FIFA.
“This government is interested in developing a football culture that will accommodate global best practices.
“This will also help the nation to lay a solid foundation for domestic football and to put in place professionally and efficiently run leagues.
“It will also help in entrenching a consistent and stable football calendar and create a value chain which will boost the sports ecosystem,” Mr. Buhari added.
”Achieving this will guarantee desired progress in continental and international competitions.
”I know that a lot of work went into putting this 10-Year Masterplan 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 Masterplan 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 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.”
