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The Alarming Impact Of Insecurity On Nigerian Football Leagues: A Dual Challenge
The detrimental effects of insecurity in Nigerian football leagues is affecting players, officials, and fans alike. We look at the concerns raised by prominent figures, and the urgent need for improved security measures to revive the vibrancy and inclusivity of Nigerian football.
Instances of insecurity in Nigerian football leagues continue to raise concerns, posing significant risks to players, officials, and fans both on and off the field. The pervasiveness of this issue is evident across the country, with the northern region no longer immune to the wave of insecurity sweeping the nation. The repercussions of this double blow jeopardized player safety, as well as tarnished reputation due to stadium violence, casting a shadow over the sport.
Prominent Concerns Raised
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, recently expressed his distress over the deteriorating state of security in Nigerian stadiums, highlighting the challenges faced by fans when attempting to enjoy local league matches without the looming threats and intimidation from thugs. Sani’s advocacy work and call to action directed at the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) shed light on the gravity of the situation, drawing attention to the stark contrast between the present predicament and the golden era of the 80s and 90s when stadium visits were a cherished pastime for Nigerians.
Sani’s remarks emphasized the pervasive issue of insecurity plaguing Nigeria stadiums, where fans are often coerced to pay bribes or face physical harm in order to gain access and ensure their safety. This not only undermines the enjoyment of the sport but also poses a significant threat to the overall fan experience, demanding urgent intervention from the NFF to rectify the current security measures in place.
Negative Impact On Sports Events And Sponsorship
Mr. Emmanuel Aihie, an executive director (Operations) with SBM Ltd, lamented the challenges faced in organizing sports events due to insecurity concerns. He emphasized the difficulty in persuading participants to travel long distances away from their homes, as parents fear the potential risks posed by herdsmen and kidnappers. Recent incidents, such as the brazen attack on the Abuja prison, have only heightened such concerns, leading to increased apprehension among sponsors regarding the vulnerability of various areas. This climate of insecurity discourages participation and investment, hindering the development of sports events across the nation.
Player Safety At Stake
Inadequate security measures in Nigerian stadiums have fueled a disturbing increase in violent incidents. Fans often resort to aggression, targeting visiting teams, officials, and even referees. Distressing episodes during the 2022/2023 NPFL season, such as the alleged attack on Nasarawa United players by Plateau United fans in Jos, showcase the extent of the problem. The violence extends beyond the confines of the stadium, with irate fans obstructing the exit of the Nasarawa United team bus and pelting it with stones, causing injuries to players. Similarly, the brutal assault on referee Patience Nweke by J’Atete FC players after a defeat against Ekiti United in the second-tier league (NNL) demonstrates the grave consequences of inadequate security measures. Such incidents inflict severe injuries on referees, leaving them physically and emotionally scarred.
Referee Nweke, who hails from Imo state, reportedly fell into a coma after being assaulted and dehumanized by players, sustaining several cuts and head injuries. The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS) expressed their condemnation of the incident, urging immediate action from the authorities and demanding justice for the referee. These episodes highlight the urgent need for improved security provisions and the enforcement of strict consequences for players and officials involved in such acts of violence. The safety and well-being of match officials should be prioritized to ensure a fair and secure environment for the games to take place.
Efforts To Address Insecurity In Nigerian Football Leagues
Recognizing the severity of the issue, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and relevant stakeholders are under mounting pressure to address the security challenges plaguing Nigerian stadiums. The NFF’s response to the concerns raised by prominent figures and the public will be crucial in restoring faith and confidence in the sport. Prompt and effective action is required to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees, allowing Nigerian football to regain its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
In an attempt to curb hooliganism and violence in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the league organizers, the Interim Management Committee (IMC), have implemented punitive measures. These include deducting points and goals, as well as imposing heavy fines on clubs that fail to control their fans or comply with the rules of the game. The aim is to hold clubs accountable for the conduct of their supporters and to create a deterrent against unruly behavior.
Furthermore, collaborations between the Nigeria Football Federation, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other relevant authorities have been initiated to enhance safety and security at football matches. The NSCDC’s commendable efforts in providing safety and security at football grounds have been recognized and praised by the NFF. Such collaborations aim to leverage the expertise and resources of various organizations to address the security challenges and foster a secure environment for football matches across the country.
The Way Forward
It is imperative for the Nigerian authorities to address the issue of insecurity in football leagues promptly and decisively. Restoring a safe and enjoyable environment for players, officials, and fans is crucial to revive the spirit of Nigerian football. This involves implementing robust security measures, holding perpetrators accountable, and fostering a culture of respect and sportsmanship within the football community.
Improved security provisions at match venues, including the presence of well-trained security personnel, surveillance systems, and enhanced crowd management strategies, are vital to deter violence and ensure the safety of all attendees. Close collaboration between the NFF, law enforcement agencies, and relevant stakeholders is necessary to effectively tackle security challenges and maintain a secure environment at football matches.
In addition to addressing immediate security concerns, long-term solutions should focus on community engagement and education. Promoting values of tolerance, respect, and fair play can help create a positive football culture that discourages violence and promotes inclusivity. Emphasizing the importance of good sportsmanship among players, officials, and fans will contribute to a more enjoyable and harmonious football experience.
By prioritizing security and taking proactive measures, Nigerian football leagues can overcome the challenges posed by insecurity and reclaim their position as a vibrant and thriving part of the nation’s sporting landscape.
The impact of insecurity on Nigerian football leagues is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. From the risks faced by players, officials, and fans to the tarnished reputation of the sport, the consequences of inadequate security measures are far-reaching. It is essential for the Nigerian Football Federation, relevant authorities, and stakeholders to collaborate effectively to address these challenges. By implementing robust security measures, holding accountable those responsible for violence, and promoting a culture of respect and fair play, Nigerian football can once again flourish in a safe and inclusive environment. Only through concerted efforts can the vibrancy and spirit of Nigerian football be restored, allowing the sport to thrive and inspire future generations.
Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has clarified why its Benin to Abuja flight P47171 was delayed in the air on Friday.
In a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications, Ejike Ndiulo, Air Peace Airline on Saturday stated that during the aircraft’s descent into Abuja, the flight encountered turbulence as a result of adverse weather conditions, including thunderstorms.
The statement further stressed that in line with global aviation safety standards, “our crew activated appropriate safety protocols and held in a holding pattern until weather conditions improved.”
Social media users complained on Saturday that the aircraft hung in the air longer than necessary before landing.
Elanza news understands that when an aircraft is held in a holding pattern, this means the plane was instructed to fly a specific course around a designated point while waiting for permission from the control tower to proceed with its planned route, approach, or landing.
This is often due to factors like traffic congestion at the given airport, weather delays, or other operational issues that could result in an incident or accident if the aircraft had landed against instructions.
In simpler terms, a holding pattern is a temporary waiting area for an aircraft in the air, allowing it to remain airborne while awaiting further instructions for landing.
The statement further stated, “We are pleased to confirm that the aircraft landed safely and the passengers disembarked normally. Air Peace is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety across all our operations.”
IMF to FG: Enhance transparency in oil sector, contain borrowing
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised Nigeria to enhance transparency in the oil sector to ensure that the subsidy removal savings are transferred to the government’s budget.
Abebe Selassie, the director of the African department at the IMF, gave the advice on Friday while presenting the findings of the Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa report at the IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington, DC, the United States.
Selassie was responding to questions on the federal government’s reforms and Nigeria’s debt profile, which currently sits at N142.3 trillion as at September 2024.
Speaking to journalists, the director said the fund has been very impressed by the reforms Nigeria has undertaken to address microeconomic imbalances in the country.
The director said the subsidy was taking “a very large” share of the limited tax revenues, which was not effectively used to help the most vulnerable people.
“So it’s been really good to see the government taking these head on, and also beginning to roll out the third component of the reforms that we’ve been advocating for, [that] government has been pursuing, which is to expand social protection to target generalised subsidies to help the most vulnerable,” he said.
“This has all been very good to see, but more can be done, particularly on the latter front: expanding social protection and also enhancing a lot more transparency in the oil sector, so that the removal of subsidies does translate into flow of revenue into government budget.
“So, there’s still a bit more work to do in these areas.”
Selassie disclosed that the IMF had a mission in Nigeria, where discussions with the authorities focused on issues related to the nation’s macroeconomic conditions.
Still, the director advised the federal government to consider reforms in other areas to engender more private sector investment, and also how more resources can be “adopted” to help Nigeria generate the revenues needed to build more schools, universities, and infrastructure.
“So there’s a comprehensive set of reforms that Nigeria can pursue that would help engender more growth and help diversify the economy away from reliance on oil,”
“And this diversification is all the more important given what we’re seeing happening to commodity prices.”
Selassie acknowledged that while the government is undertaking reforms, there will be a financing need.
He urged the authorities to adopt “a judicious and agile” way of dealing with the financing challenges the country faces.
The IMF official said Nigeria’s financing gap “can only be filled” by permanent sources such as revenue mobilisation in the long run.
“But in the interim, carefully looking at all of the options the country has to borrow in a contained way, will be part of that solution,” he said.
“And I think the government has been going about this prudently and cautiously so far, and we’re encouraged by that.”
In January, the Debt Management Office(DMO) said the total domestic debt was N73.4 trillion ($45.8 billion) while the total external debt was N68.8 trillion ($43 billion).
The debt body said the increase was primarily due to rising domestic borrowing and the impact of exchange rate depreciation on external debt when converted to naira terms.
The Federal Government is set to launch the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM) to strengthen agricultural productivity, stabilise food prices, and drive economic growth.
The NAPM is part of broader initiatives aimed at transforming the country’s agricultural sector through data-driven policies and public-private partnerships.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja during a meeting of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) Steering Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the initiative will align agricultural efforts across all government tiers through real-time data analytics.
“The Green Imperative Project (GIP) is an idea whose time has come. It has been in the incubation period for several years, and now it is coming to fruition; we have to get it right.
“We have had many interventions in this country in the past. We must make this work, and it’s the states that will drive the process,” the Vice President said.
Signed between Nigeria and Brazil on March 17, 2025, the Green Imperative Project (GIP) is a $1.1 billion initiative aimed to modernise 774 mid-sized Nigerian farms with Brazilian agricultural technologies, creating jobs and boosting productivity across the nation.
VP Shettima further said President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦15 billion for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to prepare for floods as the rainy season kicks in.
“This is one of the first proactive decisions by the government to prepare for the flooding season,” the Vice President noted.
Earlier, the Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture and Executive Secretary of PFSCU, Marion Moon, explained that NAPM aims to address challenges of high food inflation and agricultural yields that lag 60 per cent behind global averages.
She revealed that the pilot survey for NAPM has been completed across 13 states, with a full launch planned for June 2025.
The NAPM, supported by data analytics partnerships and a digital platform under development, is designed to tackle food inflation, inefficient subsidies, and outdated farming practices, to give the country a unified framework to optimise public spending and drive sustainable rural development.
Those present at the meeting included Governors of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, and Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji; Deputy Governors of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, and Ebonyi State, Patricia Onyemaechi Obila.
Others are Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance; heads of agriculture and manufacturing private sector players, and international development partners.