Senate approves conference committee report on bill establishing NFF

May 22, 2019 1:54 pm

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The senate has approved the conference committee report on Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) establishment bill.

The report was approved after Shehu Sani, senator representing Kaduna central, moved for its consideration.

The senate and house of representatives passed different versions of the bill in May 2017 and March 2018, which led to the setting up of a conference committee.

While presenting the report, Sani said the committee adopted the version of the lower legislative chamber.

The senator said the bill brings the country’s football in line with global best practice.

“This is one of those important [issues] as far as football is concerned in the country. It brings the Nigerian football administration in line with global best practice,” he said.

“Following the consideration and passage of the bill for an act to repeal the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and enact the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and other matters connected therewith 2019 by the senate and house of representatives on Tuesday, 30th of May 2017 and Thursday, 8th of March 2018 respectively, the two chambers set up a conference committee.

“The conference committee met to harmonise the differences as passed by the two chambers. After scrutiny of the bill, the conference committee adopted the house version.”

Thereafter, the report was approved after it was put to vote by Senate President Bukola Saraki.

While thanking the lawmakers who worked on the legislation, Saraki described it as a “landmark bill.”

“It is a landmark bill that we have just passed,” he said.

“For over 20 years now, we have been trying to improve on the situation of football in this country in line with global best practice but it has always been stampeded for personal reasons.”

The bill seeks to ensure mandatory systematic development of football through institutional, age and gender competitions and it provides for development of coaches and referees to enable them participate in international competitions among others.