News
Dikko denies misuse of $1.2 million FIFA stadium fund in Kebbi
Shehu Dikko, who chairs the National Sports Commission, has refuted claims that the $1.2 million FIFA allocation for Kebbi State’s mini-stadium construction was misused.
During a Friday appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Dikko clarified that the funds were never physically received by any Nigerian entity, explaining that FIFA maintains direct control over such project financing.
“That is where people are getting it wrong; no one collected the money. I’m not here to defend the NFF; they can defend themselves.
READ ALSO: Pinnick denies financial misconduct allegations over FIFA Goal project in Kebbi
“But as the leader of sports in Nigeria, what happens to the NFF affects the entire sports ecosystem. So we need to set the record straight for people to understand how this works,” he said.
Dikko detailed FIFA’s operational framework, noting that the international body selects its own consultants, oversees contractual agreements, and compensates contractors without channeling funds through the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
“I was a manager of FIFA projects, and I know how FIFA works. Nobody collected the money because FIFA manages its projects directly. The NFF’s role is to provide the land and state what they want. FIFA then appoints consultants, goes through procurement, and pays the contractor directly to deliver the project,” Dikko said.
The NSC head emphasized that the project’s initial valuation dates back nearly a decade, explaining its approval came in 2015 with procurement processes starting the following year.
“This project is not $1.2 million of today. When it was approved in 2015, the value was about ₦300 million. That was what the project was worth at that time,” he explained.
According to Dikko, complications with securing and documenting the land resulted in the foundation work and contract formalization being delayed until 2020, when FIFA’s selected contractor began construction.
“Before the project was signed, there was a public tender and procurement process. People just see a picture and assume it’s incomplete. That structure shown was only the first phase of the project,” Dikko stated.
The Birnin Kebbi facility, financed through FIFA’s Forward Programme, has attracted significant attention after drawing criticism regarding its construction quality and cost-effectiveness.
Public controversy intensified when FIFA featured the stadium in its social media imagery, triggering widespread disapproval and demands for official inquiry.
Dikko maintained that FIFA holds full accountability for project implementation, emphasizing that financial management adhered to transparent international protocols.
The House of Representatives Sports Committee has launched an inquiry into how the NFF handles FIFA and CAF developmental funding, with particular focus on the Kebbi facility.
**U.S. President issues stark ultimatum, warns of possible armed action against Islamic militants
United States President Donald Trump has issued a severe warning to the Nigerian government, threatening to halt all American aid and potentially launch military operations in the country if attacks on Christians continue.
In a statement released Saturday night on Truth Social, Trump delivered an ultimatum that escalates tensions between both countries, threatening direct U.S. military intervention in Africa’s most populous nation.
READ ALSO: Tinubu fires back at Trump, says Nigeria rejects religious persecution
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump declared.
The American leader indicated he has already directed military officials to begin preparations for potential action in Nigeria.
“I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!” he stated.
Trump concluded his statement with an urgent warning to Nigerian authorities.
“WARNING: THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT BETTER MOVE FAST!” he said.
The threat comes just one day after Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution, a move that drew swift condemnation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his Friday response, President Tinubu rejected the characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant, stating that the country “stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.”
The Nigerian president emphasized that his administration has been actively engaging with both Christian and Muslim leaders since 2023 while addressing security challenges affecting citizens of all faiths across the country.
Trump’s latest statement marks a dramatic escalation in rhetoric and raises serious questions about U.S.-Nigeria relations and the potential for American military involvement in West Africa.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has revealed major financial relief measures and workforce expansion plans aimed at resolving persistent grievances among healthcare workers, especially those in the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
In a Thursday statement, Minister of State for Health Dr. Iziaq Salako revealed that President Bola Tinubu had authorized accelerated payment of outstanding dues to health sector employees, including NARD members.
According to him, as of Thursday, October 30, an additional ₦21.3 billion had been transferred to the IPPIS account, and payment to beneficiaries had commenced.
READ ALSO: Resident doctors declare indefinite nationwide strike over unmet demands
He added that another ₦11.995 billion is being processed for release within 72 hours to settle other outstanding arrears, including the accoutrement allowance.
Dr. Salako explained that these payments are being made in line with the approved salary structure for the health sector.
The Federal Government has additionally issued special waivers permitting large-scale hiring of healthcare workers across federal tertiary institutions to combat the effects of brain drain and excessive work hours.
He noted that this recruitment drive is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Nigeria’s health facilities are adequately staffed, safe, and equipped to deliver quality healthcare services to citizens.
Regarding continued discussions, Dr. Salako stated that collective bargaining sessions are ongoing with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)—NARD’s parent body—alongside the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
Dr. Salako emphasized that these interventions reflect the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of health workers, ensuring industrial harmony, and upholding the uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
These developments follow NARD’s October 26 announcement of plans to begin an indefinite nationwide strike from November 1, 2025.
Disclosing this in a statement, NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman, said the strike directive was issued after the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum earlier given to the Federal Government over unresolved demands.
The decision was reached after a five-hour National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday.
“The NEC has marshalled out minimum demands, strike monitoring directives, and ‘no work, no pay/no pay, no work’ resolutions needed for a successful execution of this action,” the statement reads in part.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a response to US President Donald Trump, asserting that Nigeria rejects religious persecution.
The statement came after Trump’s Friday announcement re-categorizing Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” Trump alleged that Nigerian Christians face existential danger and promised American protection.
READ ALSO: Trump raises alarm over killings in Nigeria, declares country “of particular concern”
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed,” Trump said in a social media post on Friday.
President Tinubu replied on Saturday through social media, underscoring Nigeria’s dedication to religious freedom.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he said.
“Since 2023, our administration has actively engaged with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges affecting citizens across all faiths and regions.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into account the consistent and sincere efforts of our government to safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians.
“Religious freedom and tolerance are core tenets of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.
“Our constitution guarantees the protection of citizens of all faiths, and our administration remains committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation in protecting communities of all religions.”
Trump threatens military action in Nigeria over killing of christians
Wike’s PDP faction suspends acting national chairman Damagun and key NWC members
FG unveils ₦33bn payout, recruitment drive to appease aggrieved doctors
-
News3 weeks agoRenowned evangelist Uma Ukpai is dead
-
Features4 weeks agoNneka Onyeali-Ikpe: All hail the Nigerian Madeleine Albright
-
News3 days agoAbia, S’East: In defence of Benjamin Kalu
-
Features5 days agoBen-Chuks Nwosu, Ogbalike Nnewi: Another feather to the cap, as the doyen soldiers on
-
News2 weeks agoAkpabio on Gowon @ 91: You remain a beacon of unity, national healing
-
Uncategorized2 weeks agoValarian Okeke: A custodian of faith, a messenger of God, a gift to humanity
-
News4 weeks agoWho is making Dr. Ikpeazu Chinese or North Korean?
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoNed Nwoko alleges wife Regina Daniels battling with substance abuse