Chairman of the Nationwide Sports activities Fee (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has denied allegations of misappropriation of the $1.2 million FIFA fund allotted for the development of the mini-stadium in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
Talking throughout an interview on Channels Tv’s Politics Right this moment on Friday, Dikko clarified that no particular person or group in Nigeria collected the FIFA funds, stressing that the worldwide soccer physique straight managed the challenge.
“That’s the place individuals are getting it improper; nobody collected the cash. I’m not right here to defend the NFF, however because the chief of sports activities in Nigeria, what occurs to the NFF impacts the complete sports activities ecosystem,” he stated.
Dikko defined that FIFA’s challenge administration course of doesn’t permit funds to go by way of the Nigerian Soccer Federation (NFF). As a substitute, FIFA appoints consultants, oversees procurement, and pays contractors straight.
“I used to be a supervisor of FIFA tasks, and I understand how FIFA works. The NFF’s position is barely to supply land and specify the challenge wants. FIFA handles procurement and funds to the contractor,” he added.
The NSC chairman additional clarified that the Kebbi mini-stadium challenge was not valued on the present trade charge. It was accepted in 2015 and procurement started in 2016, when $1.2 million was equal to about ₦300 million.
“This challenge shouldn’t be $1.2 million of right this moment. When it was accepted in 2015, the worth was round ₦300 million,” he defined.
Dikko revealed that delays in land documentation and acquisition pushed the inspiration and contract signing to 2020, after which FIFA’s appointed contractor started work.
He emphasised that the construction circulating on social media represents solely the primary part of the challenge.
The Birnin Kebbi mini-stadium, funded underneath FIFA’s Ahead Programme, has come underneath scrutiny following public criticism of its look and price.
The controversy intensified after FIFA used the stadium’s picture in a promotional banner, prompting outrage and requires an investigation.
Dikko reaffirmed that FIFA stays answerable for the challenge’s execution and that every one funds had been dealt with transparently and in keeping with worldwide requirements.
In the meantime, the Home of Representatives Committee on Sports activities has launched an investigation into the NFF’s administration of FIFA and CAF growth grants, with the Kebbi challenge serving as a key focus of the probe.
