RismadarVoice Reporters, May 14, 2026
Fresh controversy has emerged within the Nigeria Football Federation as aggrieved staff members allege lopsided employment practices and threaten to petition the Federal Character Commission for intervention.
The workers accused the football federation of failing to reflect the principles of fairness, equity, and national balance in its recruitment process, claiming that a significant percentage of employees are drawn from a single geopolitical zone.
According to the aggrieved staff, the federation currently has about 94 employees, with over 80 per cent allegedly originating from the North-West region, the same zone as the NFF president and the general secretary.
The staff members reportedly plan to request an audit of the federation’s staff nominal roll and employment structure by the Federal Character Commission.
The complaints have reignited concerns over compliance with Nigeria’s federal character principle, which seeks equitable representation of the country’s diverse regions in public institutions and agencies.
Speaking on the mandate of the commission, Executive Chairman of the FCC, Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, had previously stated that the commission exists to ensure fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all Nigerians regardless of ethnic or regional background.
Omidiran noted that the commission was established under the 1999 Constitution and the Federal Character Commission Establishment Act to promote equity in public service appointments and national cohesion.
She also stressed the commission’s commitment to working with ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure balanced representation and inclusive governance.
