The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is poised for a significant shift in player compensation, with plans underway to bolster the minimum wage from N150,000 to an undisclosed sum beginning next season.
NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye made the revelation during a live program on Trust Radio, where he articulated the league’s commitment to enhancing player welfare in response to Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
Elegbeleye underscored the imperative of revising player wages, citing the prevailing economic conditions within the country. He expressed dismay over instances where clubs remunerate players below the established N150,000 benchmark, noting that some individuals reluctantly accept such offers to secure a spot within these teams.
To ensure compliance and transparency, the NPFL boss stated that the League will implement stringent measures, including requiring clubs to conduct financial transactions exclusively through bank channels. This mandate aims to facilitate accurate documentation of player salaries, enabling the league to monitor adherence to the stipulated wage standards.
Elegbeleye emphasized the need for clubs to uphold ethical standards by remunerating players fairly, acknowledging the disparity between wages and the rising cost of living. He stressed that the forthcoming increase in the minimum wage signifies the league’s proactive stance in addressing these disparities and fostering a conducive environment for players to thrive.
Moreover, the Chairman affirmed that the decision to revise player wages aligns with the NPFL’s broader agenda of promoting professionalism and elevating the status of football within Nigeria. He highlighted the benefits of elevating the minimum wage standards like the attraction and retainment of top talent alongside the mitigation of the risk of exploitation or financial hardship faced by players.
