Referees in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) are set to enjoy a significant pay increase in the 2024/25 season, which kicks off on Saturday.
The NPFL board has decided to raise referees’ pay by 50 percent, in addition to providing them with newly acquired communication gadgets. This move fulfills a promise made by the league board chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, at the end of the previous season.
The President of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), Sani Zubairu, confirmed on Tuesday that referees are currently undergoing training in preparation for the League’s commencement on Saturday.
“We are already in training to familiarize the referees with the new equipment. The gadgets will be used by all four referees in each of the
380 NPFL matches, as well as in Federation Cup matches,” Zubairu stated.”
He added, “This will enhance our referees’ performance, as there is a noticeable difference between officials using such technology and those who are not. We are also expecting additional high-performance gadgets to be provided for our referees in the future.”
The training sessions for the referees are being conducted in batches at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Additionally, for the second time within the last year, referees will receive increased match indemnities.
“Motivation is crucial for referees as well, and the NFF has consistently pledged to take care of their welfare,” Zubairu added.
According to a top official from one of the league’s partners, one of the factors influencing a referee’s earnings in the NPFL is the distance they travel.
“Their earnings are calculated based on the distance they travel to reach their match venues. We spend nearly N10mn on match officials every match day. The minimum a referee can earn is between N 150,000 and N200,000 per match for transport and feeding, “The official explained.
He continued, “All officials have their accommodations arranged 48 hours before they arrive at their match venue. As soon as they depart, they receive their allowances, and they already know their lodging arrangements. We pay for accommodations directly to the hotels, while feeding and transport allowances are paid in cash before they leave for their match venues. The system has improved; it is no longer the same as before.”
This was the payment structure before the recent increase, and it is expected to continue under the new arrangement.
