₦12bn NFF Players’ Wages Fund Under Probe As EFCC, ICPC Launch Investigation

The Federal Government’s ₦12 billion intervention fund allocated to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the payment of players’ wages and bonuses is reportedly under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The development came to light after the NFF declined a request seeking access to records on how the funds were managed and spent. The federation explained that the relevant documents had been submitted to the two anti-corruption agencies as part of ongoing investigations.

The NFF disclosed this in a letter dated August 18, 2026, signed by Onoja Joshua, Esq., on behalf of the federation’s General Secretary.

According to Sahara Reporters, the letter was addressed to the Principal Partner of Cromwell & Okeke in response to a Freedom of Information request submitted by the law firm.

The firm had requested financial statements, utilisation records and other documents relating to the ₦12 billion intervention fund reportedly released by the Federal Government to clear players’ outstanding wages and bonuses.

The request was dated August 7, 2026, and was received by the NFF on August 11.

In its response, the football federation said it was unable to provide the requested documents because the matter was already being investigated by the EFCC and ICPC.

The letter, referenced NFF/LEG/10/1/879 and titled “Re: Application for disclosure of financial records and utilisation logs regarding the N12 billion Federal Government Intervention Fund released for players’ wages and bonuses,” stated that the relevant records were currently with the anti-corruption agencies.

The NFF said:

“I am directed to refer to the above subject matter and your correspondence dated 7th August, 2026 but received on 11th August, 2026.”

Explaining why the documents could not be released, the federation noted that the information requested was connected to ongoing investigations by the EFCC and ICPC.

The letter further stated:

“It is my instruction to inform you that the subject matter of the request under the Freedom of Information Act is subject to investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).”

The NFF also clarified that it was no longer in possession of the documents requested by the law firm.

It added:

“Therefore, all documents relating to the request are before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).