Federal Character Commission, NFF Move to Strengthen Equity and Transparency in Football Governance

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hulayat Ayo Omidiran, has stressed the need for stronger institutional partnerships to promote inclusiveness, equity and transparency in governance, noting that football remains a vital tool for national unity.

Omidiran made the remarks on Thursday, February 5, when she received the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Welcoming the delegation, Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s constitutional mandate to monitor and supervise public institutions nationwide, insisting that sports administration must also reflect federal character principles.

“The Federal Character Commission supervises and monitors over 700 Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the country. Institutions connected to sports administration are not exempt from the principles of equity, fairness and national balance,” she said, in the presence of Hon. Halima Ahmadu Jabiru, FCC Commissioner representing Nasarawa State.

She added that collaboration between the FCC and the NFF would help deepen transparency and inclusiveness in both governance and sports administration.

“Our collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation will advance our vision of ensuring that opportunities in governance and sports are inclusive, transparent and representative of Nigeria’s diversity. We will also leverage the unifying power of football to bring Nigerians closer together,” Omidiran said.

A former chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League and proprietor of Omidiran Babes, she noted that closer engagement between regulatory bodies and sports institutions was essential for accountability, fairness in appointments and balanced national representation.

Earlier, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau congratulated Omidiran on her appointment, describing her as a pioneer in women’s football administration in Nigeria.

“We are here to congratulate Hon. Omidiran on her new appointment and to pay a solidarity visit to her as a long-time, high-ranking member of the Nigerian football family,” Gusau said.

He added that the NFF recognised the FCC’s role in promoting fairness and unity across the country.

“The Nigeria Football Federation recognises the critical role of the Federal Character Commission in promoting fairness and national unity. We look forward to strengthening collaboration that supports balanced development within our football structures,” Gusau said.

The NFF delegation included First Vice President Felix Anyansi-Agwu, board member and NLO chairman Silas Agara, Secretary General Dr Sanusi Mohammed, Director of Competitions Ms Ruth David, Director of Finance and Administration Rajan Zaka, alongside other officials and staff of the federation.

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