NFF, Civil Defence agree on greater collaboration for security at football matches

Chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Wednesday agreed to co-operate and collaborate even more in the interest of safety and security at all football matches within the Nigeria territory.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau heaped plaudits on the officers and men of NSCDC for the great job they have been doing providing safety and security at Nigeria’s football grounds.

“Let me start by commending you for the immense co-operation that the NFF and the entire Nigeria Football fraternity have been enjoying from the officers and men of NSCDC over the years. We have decided to come here because of the critical nature of our relationship, to underscore the professionalism, diligence and sense of responsibility of your officers and to seek avenues for even greater cooperation and collaboration in the interest of Nigeria Football.

“We have continued to receive positive reports on your officers and men from venues of football matches in the country. Before I became NFF President, I was Chairman of NFF Security Committee as well as a Member of CAF Security Committee, and we enjoyed the support and professional service of NSCDC officers during our international matches.”

The NFF President thereafter suggested to Dr. Audi about initiating State Command football teams as football is a veritable unifying factor between and among peoples and nations of the universe.

Responding, the NSCDC supremo thanked the NFF chieftains for the visit, and said greater cooperation and collaboration between the two organizations are imperative. He described football as a huge unifying force that drastically reduces vices and idleness among the youth, and also serves to provide a sound mind in a healthy body.

“We welcome the gesture of greater collaboration because we appreciate the power of football. Just recently, we had our Inter-Directorate Sports Competition of which football was the star attraction. Our officers and men will always be available to provide safety and security at venues of football matches across Nigeria.

“We will explore the suggestion of State Command football teams. Football is a capital-intensive venture but we will see how we can run a test and feel the ground for having football teams.”

Also at the occasion were topmost officers of the NSCDC, including Deputy Commandant-Generals and Assistant Commandant-Generals. There were as well the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Competitions, Ruth David; Head of Protocol, Barnabas Joro and; Abubakar Barde, special assistant to the NFF President.