Image credit: GTI

 

Calls for deeper structural reforms

 

Strategic investment firm GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited has welcomed the renewed commitment by the National SportsCommission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to strengthen the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), describing the move as a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to reposition the country's top-flight football competition for long-term growth.

The endorsement follows the recent announcement by the sports authorities of plans to substantially increase the prize money for NPFL champions, a development GTI believes will enhance the league's competitiveness and improve its commercial appeal.

In a statement issued in Lagos by the company's Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, GTI said the decision demonstrates a clear commitment by sports administrators to transform the domestic league into a more attractive platform for clubs, investors and commercial partners, while aligning with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to Ekejiuba, improving the financial rewards for participating clubs is expected to stimulate healthy competition and reinforce investor confidence in Nigerian football.

"The decision to increase the NPFL prize fund reflects a positive shift in the administration of football in Nigeria. It provides additional motivation for clubs, raises the league's commercial profile and sends encouraging signals to existing and prospective investors. Greater financial support from the NSC will also strengthen the operational capacity of the league and accelerate its development," he said.

GTI also acknowledged the efforts of the NPFL Board and its own parent organisation, GTI Group, for sustaining reforms aimed at modernising the league over the last four years.

Ekejiuba noted that the company's investments and strategic interventions have focused on strengthening corporate governance, enhancing commercial value and creating a more structured football ecosystem capable of attracting local and international investment.

He stressed that closer collaboration among football stakeholders remains critical to sustaining the progress already recorded.

According to him, cooperation between the NSC, NFF, the NPFL Board and private sector partners should serve as the foundation for broader reforms rather than an endpoint in the league's transformation journey.

While welcoming the latest policy direction, Ekejiuba cautioned that increasing prize money alone would not guarantee lasting success unless accompanied by comprehensive structural improvements across the league.

He identified stronger governance, improved club licensing, better sporting infrastructure, enhanced broadcast production, efficient content and data management, greater financial transparency and deeper fan engagement as essential priorities for the league.

He added that GTI remains committed to working with the NPFL to build a transparent, accountable and commercially sustainable football ecosystem capable of attracting more corporate sponsors, strategic partners and institutional investors.

Ekejiuba further observed that although the recent financial support announced for the NPFL represents meaningful progress, it accounts for only a small fraction of the league's long-term commercial potential.

He expressed confidence that with sustained reforms, stronger partnerships and effective execution, the NPFL could unlock significantly higher revenue opportunities over the next five years and emerge as one of Africa's most respected professional football leagues.

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