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Communique of the Meeting of the NFF Executive Committee Held at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja, Wednesday, 10 December 2025

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Communique of the Meeting of the NFF Executive Committee Held at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja, Wednesday, 10 December 2025

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation met at the Federation’s Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, to review key matters affecting the development and administration of football in the country. At the end of its deliberations, the Committee issued the following resolutions:

1. Super Eagles’ Preparations for AFCON 2025
The Committee reviewed the readiness of the Senior Men’s National Team for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. It directed the Secretariat to ensure smooth and uninterrupted preparations for the three-time African champions. The players were also urged to put behind them the disappointment of missing out on the FIFA World Cup and to use the tournament in Morocco as an opportunity to reaffirm their quality and write a stronger chapter for the team.

2. Super Falcons’ Build-Up to WAFCON 2026
The Committee instructed the Secretariat to secure competitive international friendly matches for the Senior Women’s National Team during the February 2026 FIFA window. The Super Falcons, with 10 continental titles, are preparing for the 14th Women Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026. The team is expected to pursue an 11th title and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

3. Overhaul of Youth Football Development and Academy Guidelines
Following a detailed review of poor performances by Nigeria’s youth teams in recent international competitions, the Committee directed the Technical and Legal Departments to draft new guidelines for the operation of football academies across the country. The new framework will aim to support genuine grassroots development while ensuring strict adherence to regulations aligned with FIFA standards.

4. Appointment of an Independent Auditor
The Committee endorsed ongoing steps toward selecting an Independent Auditor for the Federation. A public invitation for applications from qualified Chartered Accountants has already been issued, in line with statutory provisions. This follows the conclusion of PriceWaterhouseCoopers’ two-term tenure, with regulations preventing any firm from serving more than two terms in this capacity.

5. Progress on FIFA Forward 3.0 Infrastructure Projects
The Committee expressed satisfaction with the progress of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches under the FIFA Forward 3.0 programme. The facilities, located opposite the NFF Secretariat within the MKO Abiola National Stadium Complex, remain on schedule. The contractor is expected to meet the 24-month delivery timeline.

6. Concerns Over Refereeing Standards Across Domestic Leagues
After assessing officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and the Nationwide League One, the Committee noted grave dissatisfaction with the performance of several referees. It warned that stricter disciplinary measures will be introduced to address poor officiating, incompetence, collusion with club officials and deliberate manipulation of match outcomes.

Source: NFF Media

UN Urges Nigerian Filmmakers to Champion Stories that Advance Global Development Goals

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UN Urges Nigerian Filmmakers to Champion Stories that Advance Global Development Goals

The United Nations has called on filmmakers in Nigeria to use their craft to promote themes that support the Sustainable Development Goals, noting that the country’s vibrant film industry has the power to influence public attitudes and inspire social change.

In a message addressed to creative leaders and industry stakeholders, the UN said Nigerian storytellers occupy a unique position across Africa and the global diaspora, making them vital partners in efforts to address issues such as poverty, education, gender equality, climate action and peaceful societies.

The organisation explained that film remains one of the most effective mediums for shaping culture and sparking conversations that lead to long-term progress. It encouraged producers, directors and screenwriters to explore narratives that reflect real community challenges, highlight solutions, and motivate audiences to take action.

According to the UN, aligning cinematic content with the SDGs can help amplify national and continental development priorities while opening new avenues for collaboration, funding and global visibility. The agency said it looks forward to deeper engagement with Nigeria’s film sector as part of its broader drive to harness creative industries for sustainable development.

Abia Governor’s Aide Recounts Brutal Ordeal During Sierra Leone Civil War

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Abia Governor’s Aide Recounts Brutal Ordeal During Sierra Leone Civil War

David Anyaele, Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Persons with Disabilities, has described the ordeal that left him permanently maimed during the civil war in Sierra Leone. Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, he gave a full account of how fighters from the Revolutionary United Front captured him and other Nigerians who had travelled to the country on business.

Anyaele explained that the rebels accused Nigerians of supporting the ECOMOG peacekeeping force and said they had been ordered to kill any Nigerian they found. He said he pleaded for his life and offered the group access to his home and warehouse in the hope that they would spare him. The request was rejected, and the rebels announced that he would undergo amputation.

He said he obeyed their instruction to place his left hand on a stool. A fighter struck it off with a machete, while others warned that his right hand would follow. In a final attempt to negotiate for his life, he told them he could pay any amount if they would leave his remaining hand. They refused, insisting they were carrying out directives. A child soldier threatened to shoot him if he resisted, and his right hand was severed.

Anyaele recalled that he cried out in pain and appealed to God when the group poured fuel on him and set him on fire. The assault ended only when their commander arrived. He said the commander told the fighters that he should be allowed to live so that he could return to Nigeria and tell the world what the rebels had endured.

Severely injured, Anyaele managed to crawl away from the scene until UN peacekeepers reached him. He was evacuated and treated, surviving an experience that shaped the direction of his life and later advocacy work.

Reflecting on the moment he pleaded with his captors, Anyaele said, “I told them they could not cut both my hands. I said any amount they wanted, I was willing to pay for them to leave my right hand for me.”

Ade Ogundeyin: The Engineer Behind West Africa’s Only Full-Spectrum Defence Manufacturer

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Ade Ogundeyin: The Engineer Behind West Africa’s Only Full-Spectrum Defence Manufacturer

Ade Ogundeyin has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most discreet but influential industrialists. As the founder and chief executive of Proforce Limited, he oversees the only defence manufacturing company in West Africa that provides integrated land, air and marine protection systems. His firm is recognised as Nigeria’s first indigenous producer of armoured vehicles, with a product line that now extends across military, security and civilian protection needs.

Ogundeyin earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos and is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria. He established Proforce after founding O’la-Kleen Nigeria Limited, a facilities and cleaning services company that later evolved into the wider O’la-Kleen Holdings conglomerate. The group maintains operations in Ghana, Liberia, the United States, Kuwait and China.

Proforce was incorporated in 2008 as a subsidiary of the holding company. Its product range has grown to include Armoured Personnel Carriers, Armoured Cash-in-Transit vehicles, Armoured SUVs, Infantry Combat Vehicles, military trucks, unmanned aerial vehicles, ballistic helmets and vests, marine craft and specialised architectural armouring for institutions such as banks and embassies. These products support the military, police, private security firms, cash-movement companies, and marine operators.

Although the business began in modest form, it has developed into a key supplier of mission-ready vehicles and ballistic systems, earning recognition for building indigenous capacity in a field that was once dominated by foreign contractors. The company relies on a workforce composed entirely of Nigerian technicians and welders across its facilities in Nigeria, Dubai and India.

Proforce operates its headquarters from Victoria Island in Lagos, while its main production plant sits in Ode-Remo, Ogun State. The factory can produce up to 20 units of the Ara mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle and 40 units of the PF2 armoured vehicle each month. A second facility in Port Harcourt supports clients in the South-South region, and plans are underway to add branches in Abuja and Katsina.

Across more than sixteen years of activity, Ogundeyin has maintained a low public profile even as his company has become a central player in the region’s defence and security landscape. His work has helped position Nigeria as a source of home-grown manufacturing expertise in a field critical to national and regional stability.

House of Representatives Seeks 50 Percent Cut in Aviation Taxes to Reduce Holiday Airfares

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House of Representatives Seeks 50 Percent Cut in Aviation Taxes to Reduce Holiday Airfares

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to slash aviation taxes and airport charges by half as part of an urgent effort to ease the rising cost of domestic air travel during the festive period.

The resolution followed a motion adopted during plenary, in which lawmakers warned that escalating ticket prices were placing significant pressure on travellers already burdened by high fuel costs, inflation and persistent insecurity along major road corridors. Members argued that a temporary reduction in statutory fees would offer immediate relief to passengers and help stabilise demand during the end-of-year travel surge.

According to the House, fees imposed by aviation agencies and airport authorities have contributed to the rising cost of flight operations, compounding the effects of volatile aviation fuel prices and currency depreciation. Legislators said that reducing these charges by 50 percent would lower airlines’ operating costs and create room for operators to adjust fares downward.

The motion also highlighted the growing dependence on air travel as road insecurity continues to affect long-distance movement across several regions. With more Nigerians opting for flights during the festive season, lawmakers said the government must take targeted steps to ensure affordability and prevent further strain on households.

The House directed its aviation committees to engage the Ministry of Aviation and relevant agencies to assess the cost implications and work out implementation strategies. The Federal Government is expected to review the recommendation as part of broader measures to support the aviation sector and protect consumers during peak travel periods.

ECOWAS Appoints Aliko Dangote as Inaugural Chair of New Business Council

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ECOWAS Appoints Aliko Dangote as Inaugural Chair of New Business Council
ECOWAS has named industrialist Aliko Dangote as the first chairman of its newly established Business Council, a body created to expand private sector participation and accelerate regional economic integration.

The appointment was announced by ECOWAS President Omar Touray, who said the council is expected to serve as a central platform for mobilising investment, coordinating cross-border trade initiatives and strengthening cooperation among West African economies. Touray described Dangote as a fitting choice, noting his long-standing presence in key African markets and his record of leading large-scale industrial projects across the continent.

The ECOWAS Business Council forms part of broader reforms aimed at improving the region’s competitiveness and aligning private investment with the organisation’s development goals. Officials say the council will provide structured dialogue between policymakers and business leaders, with a focus on removing trade barriers, improving infrastructure links and promoting regional value chains.

Dangote’s leadership is expected to guide the council through its formative phase as it defines priorities, engages member states and builds frameworks to support enterprises operating across the region.

Federal Executive Council Approves Construction of New Bank of Industry Headquarters in Eko Atlantic City

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Federal Executive Council Approves Construction of New Bank of Industry Headquarters in Eko Atlantic City

The Federal Executive Council has approved the design and construction of a new headquarters for the Bank of Industry, to be located in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos. The decision forms part of the Federal Government’s broader plan to strengthen the nation’s industrial and financial infrastructure.

The approval was disclosed by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Enoh, during a briefing with State House correspondents after the council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.

Senator Enoh explained that the project is expected to enhance the operational capacity of the Bank of Industry and support its role in financing large-scale industrial ventures across the country. He added that the new headquarters aligns with the ministry’s agenda to modernise key institutions and position them for future economic expansion.

According to the minister, the council considered and approved five memoranda presented by the ministry. Three of the submissions focused on industrial development initiatives, while the remaining two addressed ongoing efforts in trade and investment.

The development marks a significant boost for Eko Atlantic City, which continues to attract major financial and corporate interests. Government officials say the new BoI headquarters will serve as a landmark project within the emerging commercial district and further reinforce Lagos as a central hub for industry and investment.

Details on the project timeline and construction partners are expected to be released after subsequent technical reviews and final procurement steps.

Gaise Baba’s No Turning Back II Tops Nigeria’s YouTube Chart as the Most-Watched Video of 2025

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Gaise Baba’s No Turning Back II Tops Nigeria’s YouTube Chart as the Most-Watched Video of 2025

Gaise Baba has set a major milestone for Nigeria’s digital entertainment sector as No Turning Back II, his collaborative project with Lawrence Oyor, emerged as the most-watched YouTube music video in Nigeria for 2025. The video accumulated more than 41 million views in just six months, placing it ahead of a highly competitive field dominated by Afrobeats heavyweights.

The rankings, released in YouTube’s annual A Year on YouTube report, show that No Turning Back II outperformed mainstream releases from Shallipopi, Davido, Asake, Rema, and Wizkid. The song’s themes of faith, resilience, and youthful expression helped it build a wide following, turning it into one of the year’s biggest viral successes.

The full top ten list includes:

  1. No Turning Back II – Gaise Baba & Lawrence Oyor

  2. Laho – Shallipopi

  3. With You – Davido ft. Omah Lay

  4. 99 – Olamide, Seyi Vibez, Asake, Young Jonn ft. Daecolm

  5. Why Love – Asake

  6. Baby (Is It a Crime) – Rema

  7. My Darling – Chella

  8. Kese (Dance) – Wizkid

  9. Laho II – Shallipopi & Burna Boy

  10. With You (Visualizer) – Davido ft. Omah Lay

The report also confirms that Omoni Oboli finished the year as Nigeria’s number-one creator on YouTube, reflecting the continued rise of Nollywood and lifestyle-driven channels. Her mix of films, behind-the-scenes features, and documentary-style content helped her sustain a growing subscriber base and dominate overall watch time.

YouTube noted that over 70 percent of watch time for Nigerian content now comes from outside the country, a sign of how Nigerian music, film, and digital storytelling continue to expand across global markets. Analysts say this international audience growth is likely to intensify as creators sharpen production quality and explore new formats.

With Gaise Baba setting a new performance benchmark and Omoni Oboli maintaining strong influence, 2025 marks another turning point in Nigeria’s presence on the world’s largest video platform.

Federal Executive Council Approves Upgrade of VHF Radio Systems Across Key Airports

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Federal Executive Council Approves Upgrade of VHF Radio Systems Across Key Airports

The Federal Executive Council has approved a nationwide upgrade of remote-controlled Very High Frequency radio systems across major airports, a move aimed at improving communication reliability and strengthening air safety.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision after the council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. He said the approval aligns with the government’s plan to modernise aviation infrastructure and ensure safer and more efficient flight operations.

According to Keyamo, the upgrade will cover nine airports and installations. Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Kano, Maiduguri, Sokoto and Wukari are included, along with an additional VHF site within the Abuja area.

The minister explained that the VHF systems remain essential for clear communication between pilots and air traffic controllers during takeoff, landing and en-route operations. He noted that some of the existing equipment had become unreliable and required full replacement or technical enhancement.

Aviation authorities expect the modernised systems to reduce communication gaps, improve situational awareness for flight crews and strengthen the overall safety architecture of Nigeria’s airspace.

MeCure Industries Launches N10 Billion Commercial Paper to Strengthen Short-Term Liquidity

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MeCure Industries Launches N10 Billion Commercial Paper to Strengthen Short-Term Liquidity

MeCure Industries Plc has opened a new funding window through the issuance of a N10 billion, 269-day Series 6 Commercial Paper, the latest tranche under its N40 billion Commercial Paper Programme.

The company announced that the offer carries a discount rate of 18.19 percent and an effective annual yield of 21 percent, positioning it as a competitive short-term instrument for institutional and high-net-worth investors seeking strong returns within a defined period.

According to the issuance timetable, the offer opened on December 9, 2025, and will close on December 12, 2025. Investors are required to subscribe with a minimum commitment of N5 million, while additional investments can be made in multiples of N1,000.

The settlement date is set for December 14, 2025, after which the commercial paper will run its full tenor until September 26, 2026. At maturity, investors will be paid the full redemption value.

Industry analysts note that the issuance reflects MeCure’s broader strategy to manage working capital efficiently and deepen its presence in Nigeria’s fixed-income market. The strong yield profile is also expected to attract significant participation amid sustained demand for short-term securities within the corporate debt space.

The company is one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical and diagnostics providers, and its recurring participation in the debt market continues to signal active expansion and operational strengthening across its business segments.

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