The Nigeria Football Federation, in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, on Monday organised a sensitisation seminar for Federation staff as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and ethical conduct within the country’s football administration, Trybal News reports.
Declaring the seminar open, Dr Mohammed Sanusi reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity, warning that acts of misconduct would no longer be tolerated.
Sanusi noted that several actions often regarded as harmless by public officials constitute serious violations under existing laws and regulations.
“It is a corrupt practice for a public servant or civil servant to release official documents or information without authorisation. Many people take these things for granted, but they amount to serious misconduct. Likewise, collecting salaries and allowances without carrying out assigned duties as expected is also a corrupt practice,” he stated.
The NFF General Secretary also raised concerns over the growing number of frivolous and fictitious petitions targeted at sports administrators, arguing that such actions damage the image of the game and consume the valuable time and resources of investigative agencies.
According to him, misinformation can be more damaging than the absence of information, and he called for stronger mechanisms, including possible sanctions, to discourage the deliberate spread of false allegations.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the ICPC, Mr Olusegun Adigun commended the NFF leadership for its continued support of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), noting that corruption remains a major obstacle to national development by weakening institutions and slowing economic progress.
Adigun explained that the ICPC Act 2000 is built around three key pillars, enforcement, prevention and public enlightenment as the Commission’s core strategy for combating corruption.
Addressing concerns over false petitions, he encouraged the Federation to deepen its collaboration with the Commission by creating awareness programmes for players, agents and other stakeholders on the dangers of unethical conduct and corrupt practices within the sports ecosystem.
Among those in attendance were ACTU Chairman Barr. Queens Otarakpo, NFF Director of Media and Communications Dr Ademola Olajire, Technical Director Coach Augustine Eguavoen, Director of Finance and Administration Mr Rajan Zaka, Director of Marketing and Sponsorships Mr Alizor Chuks, Head of Protocol Mr Barnabas Joro, ICPC Deputy Director (System Study and Review) Mr Kayode Kupolati, alongside deputy directors, assistant directors and members of staff of the Federation.
