‘We Are Here to Make Things Work’: Dikko says Government Support Crucial for League Growth

National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko has defended the Federal Government’s intervention in the Nigerian domestic football league, describing the move as necessary to create the foundation for a stronger and more sustainable football ecosystem.

Dikko, who spoke amid reactions to government involvement in the league, said successful football leagues around the world have benefited from strategic government support, especially during their formative stages.

The former League Management Company chairman explained that his experience managing the league between 2013 and 2022 gave him first-hand knowledge of the challenges affecting the domestic game, including the absence of government backing during that period.

‘We should have been accused of negligence if we failed to do what we are doing, but now that we are doing the right thing, some people are against it. If I had this kind of support from government during my time, the league would have reached a much higher level,’ Dikko said.

He recalled that during his tenure, the league received no financial support from government, while efforts to attract sponsors were sometimes frustrated by interference from some government officials.

According to him, the current administration’s decision to support the league presents an opportunity to correct long-standing challenges and build a more attractive product for investors.

‘We have all complained that the league is not where it should be and needs support. Now that the government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has decided to intervene, some people are complaining. The responsibility of government is to provide the right environment for sports to succeed,’ he added.

Dikko highlighted the success of recent sponsorship initiatives by the NSC, including the mobilisation of N5 billion for the National Sports Festival, as evidence that improved organisation and innovation can attract major investors.

He questioned why similar partnerships could not be developed for the Nigerian Professional Football League, stressing that football remains one of the country’s biggest sporting assets.

‘We just raised N5 billion for the National Sports Festival from one sponsor. If we introduce more innovations into the league, sponsors will be encouraged to come in. That is why we are working to improve the product and make it more attractive to investors,’ he said.

The NSC chairman also pointed to examples from international football, arguing that government involvement played a role in the growth of some of the world’s leading leagues.

He cited the early support received by the English Premier League, the indirect backing of South Africa’s league through broadcasting arrangements, and Morocco’s investment in clubs and football infrastructure as examples of how government participation can contribute to long-term success.

Dikko said the ultimate goal of the intervention is to build a professional league capable of generating employment, improving player welfare and contributing positively to Nigeria’s economy.

‘Just as the British government has benefited from its investment in the Premier League through increased revenue and economic activity, the same can happen in Nigeria. The money invested will return to the economy, create jobs and help us build a truly professional league,’ he stated.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau also urged stakeholders and the media to support the current efforts to strengthen the league.

Gusau recalled previous difficulties in attracting and retaining sponsors and said the football community should embrace the government’s willingness to assist the domestic game.

NPFL club owners chairman Sir Okey Kpaluku similarly commended the Federal Government and the NSC for supporting the league, stressing that government commitment is vital in creating the conditions needed to attract private-sector investment.

He noted that improving the quality and attractiveness of the league is the first step towards securing stronger sponsorship and commercial partnerships.

The NSC maintained that the intervention is aimed at building a sustainable football structure that benefits clubs, players, supporters and the wider Nigerian economy.