NFF, ICPC Deepen Anti-Corruption Campaign with Staff Sensitisation Seminar
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on Monday organised a sensitisation seminar for members of staff as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and ethical conduct within the Federation.
Declaring the seminar open, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, MON, reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and warned that acts of misconduct would no longer be tolerated.
Sanusi reminded staff that certain actions often regarded as routine or insignificant constitute corrupt practices under the law and could attract disciplinary or legal consequences.
“It is a corrupt practice for a public servant or civil servant to give out official documents or information. People take these things for granted but it is a serious misconduct. Similarly, it is a corrupt practice for you to collect salaries and allowances and refuse to do your work the way you are supposed to do it,” he said.
The General Secretary also urged the ICPC to address the growing trend of frivolous and fictitious petitions against sports administrators, noting that such allegations not only tarnish reputations but also divert the attention and resources of investigative agencies.
According to him, misinformation can be more damaging than a lack of information, and he called for stronger measures, including appropriate sanctions, to discourage the deliberate spread of false allegations.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the ICPC, Mr Olusegun Adigun, FSI, commended the NFF leadership under Dr Sanusi for its continued support of the Federation’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU). He observed that corruption remains a major obstacle to national development by weakening institutions and hindering economic growth.
Adigun explained that the ICPC Act 2000 is anchored on three key pillars, enforcement, prevention and public enlightenment, which continue to guide the Commission’s anti-corruption efforts across the country.
Responding to concerns over frivolous petitions, he encouraged the Federation to strengthen its collaboration with the Commission by extending anti-corruption awareness programmes to players, football agents and other stakeholders. He noted that sustained education would help promote ethical conduct and reduce practices capable of undermining the integrity of the game.
Among those in attendance were Chairman of the NFF’s ACTU, Barr. Queens Otarakpo; 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; the Federation’s deputy directors and assistant directors; facilitator Barr. Bimpe Abodunrin; ACTU Desk Officer Abdurahman Maigari; and members of staff of the Nigeria Football Federation.
The seminar forms part of the NFF’s ongoing efforts to institutionalise transparency, accountability and good governance while fostering a culture of integrity across all levels of the organisation.
