Nearly one year after, Nigerian officiating officials finally get their pay for 2023 Nigeria Championships job

Nearly one year after officiating at the Nigerian track and field championships in Benin, members of the National Association of Technical Officials, NATO, have finally been paid their allowances by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN.

A member of the body who was in Benin in July last year told Sportsnow.com.ng that he received his payment on Saturday morning albeit payment by AFN was done on Friday.

‘I think the Federation is aware of our stand and does not want this year’s championships to be interrupted hence the decision to pay on the eve of another championships,’ said the member who begged not to be named for the fear of being persecuted.

Continuing, the official lambasted the AFN for delaying the payment for almost a year and when the money has lost its value.

‘The leadership of the federation has shown how callous they are and also show they believe in self preservation first.

‘Last year, just after the Championships held they got the money from Premium Trust Bank sponsorship deal but they decided to settle themselves first. Imagine paying the President N40m for a loan board members said they knew nothing about and which was not documented.

They also told us they borrowed almost N16m from the money to prosecute the World Athletics Championships despite budgetary provision by the Federal Government,’ added the NATO member.

Sportsnow.com.ng has been told NATO will insist payment for this year’s championships should be done after the first day of the three-day Championships.

‘That’s the new MOU we have agreed on and will be followed henceforth. For a one day competition, we want payment for officiating to be done not later than after the morning session and for competitions over two days and more, payments must be done latest after the first day of competition,’ revealed the NATO member who said the present AFN board cannot be trusted.