Assent To NFF Bill – Saraki Appeals To President Buhari
By Amaechi Agbo
The President of Nigeria Senate, Bukola Saraki has appealed to President Mohammadu Buahri, to as urgent of national importance assent to the Nigeria Football Federation Bill and enact it into law for the development of football in the country.
The outgoing president of the 8th National Assembly made the plea while explaining the importance of the passage of the over 15 years Bill into law.
The former governor of Kwara State said the Bill is crucial because it provides a framework to fast-track the adoption of football as an integral part of Nigeria’s economy, by bringing the nation’s football administration up to speed with international best practices.
He added that that nations like the UK, Spain, Germany and Italy, became football ‘powerhouses’ because their governments put in place legislation and support mechanisms to develop Football into a sustainable industry that not only creates jobs, but also boosts internally generated revenue.
“Football lovers across the nation will be pleased to know that the Nigerian Football Federation Bill, which has been in National Assembly for the past 15 years, was finally passed by the Senate on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019.
“Over the last 4-years, The National Assembly has worked assiduously to pass previously elusive Bills that have hindered the development of many sectors like the PIGB, CAMA, the 1% clause for Healthcare out of the CRF, and now, the NFF Bill.
“The NFF Bill is crucial because it provides a framework to fast-track the adoption of football as an integral part of our nation’s economy, by bringing our nation’s football administration up to speed with international best practices.
“Nations like the UK, Spain, Germany and Italy, became football ‘powerhouses’ because their governments put in place legislation and support mechanisms to develop Football into a sustainable industry that not only creates jobs, but also boosts internally generated revenue.
“It is my fervent hope that Mr. President assents to The NFF Bill, which will have a significant and favourable impact on critical sectors of our nation’s economy, including the manufacturing, entertainment, tourism and service industries,” he said in a statement.
The new The NFF Bill makes Nigeria one of the first nations in Africa to key into the FIFA statutes, and provides the necessary leadership and example for other African countries to remove the barriers that have hindered the administration of sports on the continent.
