The Department of State Services has commenced investigations into the utilisation of the N17 billion intervention fund released by the Federal Government to the Nigeria Football Federation for the payment of outstanding wages, bonuses and other financial obligations owed to the country’s national football teams. Related News Meta to pay up to $16.7bn in landmark settlement over child safety claims Stanbic IBTC leads Nigeria’s 143,248 new pension accounts across top fund managers NSCIA decries attacks in Niger, says insecurity forcing relocation to Benin Republic
The probe, according to a source familiar with the development, is focused on establishing how the funds were disbursed and spent by officials of the NFF.
The intervention was approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 as part of efforts to clear accumulated financial obligations to players and other stakeholders involved with Nigeria’s national teams.
The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to publicly discuss the investigation, said the DSS had begun examining relevant financial records and documentation connected to the release and utilisation of the funds.
“It is a normal thing for DSS to go through all documents relating to the funds released to them,” the source said, dismissing suggestions that the investigation was intended as a witch-hunt or an attempt to intimidate NFF officials.
