NFF staff join ICPC in Abuja to celebrate International Anti-Corruption Day, promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in football administration

On Tuesday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) observed the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day with an enlightenment walk at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, highlighting integrity and accountability in football administration.

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Mallam Abdulrahman Maigari, the NFF Desk Officer in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), joined NFF directors including Dr Ademola Olajire (Director of Media & Communications), Ms Ruth David (Director of Competitions), Mr Barnabas Joro (Deputy Director, Protocol), Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman (Deputy Director, Competitions) and Hajia Amina Daura (Head of Women’s Football) for the walk.

Barrister Queen Otarakpo, Head of NFF’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), explained the importance of the day.

She said International Anti-Corruption Day “reminds us that corruption is not just a legal violation; it is a barrier to development, a threat to institutional integrity, and an enemy of public trust.”

Otarakpo added that the NFF stands at the frontline of the fight against corruption, promoting a culture where integrity is non-negotiable, transparency is a standard, and accountability is a shared responsibility.

“Corruption survives where silence prevails. But today, we choose to raise our voices. We choose honesty over shortcuts, service over self-interest, and responsibility over negligence,” she said.

Maigari emphasised that ICPC’s three mandates—enlightenment, prevention, and prosecution—are vital, with enlightenment and prevention taking precedence.

He praised the NFF for its proactive participation in anti-corruption initiatives.

Dr Mohammed Sanusi (MON), NFF General Secretary, commended the ACTU for organising the walk and for consistently involving the ICPC Desk Officer.

He stated that awareness campaigns like the walk guide individuals and institutions to act ethically, noting, “The NFF ACTU executive team is very much alive to its responsibilities, and we are proud of their proactivity, focus, diligence and sense of duty.”

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The event concluded as a strong demonstration of the NFF’s commitment to ethical standards, transparency, and accountability within Nigeria’s football administration.