By Sylvanus Ofekun
The looming vacancy for the Secretary General position at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reignited debates on the need to preserve professionalism in sports administration. Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the current Secretary General, is preparing to step down after 11 years in the role, sparking discussions among stakeholders about his tenure and the future of the position.
While Dr. Sanusi is reportedly considering an extension of his role, a wave of lobbying by politicians has raised concerns about the potential politicization of the position. Traditionally, the role of NFF Secretary General is reserved for qualified career civil servants, a practice aimed at fostering professionalism in line with standards observed across sports federations in Nigeria.
Historical Context
Prominent figures such as the late Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi and Dr. Mohammed Sanusi were appointed to the role on a contractual basis due to a lack of qualified career civil servants at the time. Dr. Sanusi joined the NFF in 2007 and was initially expected to serve a maximum of four years as a contract staff. However, his tenure has extended to 17 years—well beyond what civil service regulations typically allow.
The Role of the National Sports Commission
The National Sports Commission has been pivotal in driving professionalism within Nigeria’s sports sector. Attempts to fill the Secretary General position through political appointments risk undermining these efforts. Sports administration requires specialized knowledge and expertise, and appointing individuals without relevant experience could impede the growth of the sector.
Supporting career civil servants who have dedicated their careers to the NFF ensures continuity and strengthens the institutional knowledge necessary for effective sports administration. The Federal Government must prioritize professionalism by avoiding the influence of political actors in such key appointments.
Lessons from Current Appointments
The Federal Government’s approach to appointments within the National Sports Commission has largely been commendable, emphasizing individuals with sports business backgrounds. This focus on industry-specific expertise has played a critical role in advancing the sector. It highlights the importance of maintaining similar standards for roles like the NFF Secretary General.
A Call for Sustainable Growth
The NFF Secretary General position is a cornerstone of professionalism in sports administration. By prioritizing qualified career civil servants and industry specialists, Nigeria can enhance its sports governance structures and foster sustainable development.
The government must resist the urge to politicize such a vital role and instead focus on empowering professionals who can drive progress in the nation’s sports sector.
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