Nigeria Premier Football League Officials Receive Long-Awaited Indemnities
Match officials within the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have confirmed the receipt of their outstanding indemnities, a development that comes as the league gears up for the second half of the 2025/26 season. This crucial payment covers allowances for referees, match commissioners, and referee assessors who officiated in the top-tier Nigerian football competition.
The league had been on a mid-season break since December 2025, during which time officials had accumulated unpaid allowances spanning approximately 11 matchdays. Reports indicate that payments for match referees, referee assessors, and match commissioners had stalled after matchday eight. However, a positive turn of events has seen some officials involved in matchdays nine and ten confirm that their dues have been settled. The expectation now is that all outstanding payments will be fully processed before the commencement of the second stanza, scheduled for Wednesday.
Details on Officials’ Remuneration
Speaking on condition of anonymity, several affected officials revealed that their basic matchday allowances typically range from N60,000 to N90,000. This figure, they emphasized, is exclusive of additional allowances for accommodation and transportation, which further contribute to their overall compensation.
“I have seen referees who officiated matches in week nine and week 10 make returns to the association, so the rest of us are also expecting,” one official shared. “The first set of people that received got paid on Wednesday, while some got theirs on Thursday. However, we don’t understand why the payments have stopped since then. Although we know everything won’t be credited at once, once the payments started, we hoped it would be completed before the next stanza.”
Historical Context of Indemnity Payments
This situation highlights a recurring challenge in the administration of football leagues, where timely payment of match officials is crucial for morale and operational efficiency. In 2023, a significant agreement was reached within the NPFL aimed at improving the financial standing of its officiating personnel.
- Indemnity Increase: The NPFL, in collaboration with its strategic partner, GTI Asset Management, approved a substantial 30 per cent increase in the indemnities payable to both match commissioners and referees.
- Prize Money Enhancements: Beyond official stipends, the league also saw a notable boost in prize money for its champions. The top prize was doubled, first from N100 million to N150 million, and subsequently raised to N200 million.
- Club Support: Furthermore, each of the 20 clubs participating in the league was allocated N10 million per season, demonstrating a broader commitment to financial stability across the league.
Since the implementation of these measures, GTI Asset Management has taken on the responsibility for disbursing the match officials’ indemnities.
Assurances from GTI Asset Management
Andrew Ekejiuba, the Head of Media and Publicity for GTI Asset Management, has provided assurances regarding the ongoing payment process. He acknowledged the existence of outstanding allowances and confirmed that efforts are actively underway to clear these dues.
“I’m aware there are some outstanding payments and, as I speak, those payments are being cleared,” Ekejiuba stated. “Many of the match officials are receiving payments now, and I can assure you that before the commencement of the second half of the season, all outstanding payments will be cleared.”
The timely resolution of these payment issues is paramount as the NPFL heads into its critical second half. The league currently sees former champions Rivers United leading the table with 37 points after 19 matches, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2025/26 season. The smooth functioning of the league, including the reliable compensation of its officials, is vital for maintaining the integrity and excitement of Nigerian top-flight football.
