Questions have been raised over the proposed Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) Congress scheduled to take place in Yola on Friday, with concerns mounting over alleged breaches of provisions of the federation’s 2019 Constitution.
The concerns centre on the procedure adopted in convening the Congress, the notice period given to members, the conduct of board meetings and the participation of members of the NBBF Board in the decision to convene the meeting.
Those raising the concerns argue that the National  Sports Commission (NSC) should intervene and ensure that the proposed Congress complies fully with the federation’s governing statute.Athletics training programs
Article 20.2 of the NBBF Constitution provides for an Ordinary Congress to be held annually, as well as an Elective Congress in accordance with the prescribed constitutional cycle.
However, critics of the current process contend that the federation has not held a Congress for about three years, which they argue raises questions about compliance with the provision.
Another point of contention is Article 20.4, which provides for at least 21 calendar days’ notice of an Ordinary Congress, alongside the circulation of prescribed reports, financial statements, budget and other relevant documents.
According to those challenging the process, the notice for the Yola Congress was sent by email on September 10, with September 25 fixed as the date of the meeting.
They argue that the timing of the notice does not satisfy the constitutional requirement and have also questioned whether all the documents required under the provision were circulated to Congress members within the stipulated period.
Article 20.5, which deals with an Extraordinary Congress, has also been cited in the dispute.
The provision sets out the procedure for convening an Extraordinary Congress following a written request by two-thirds of the members.
Questions have consequently been raised over the authority and procedure through which the Yola meeting was convened.
It is further alleged that only five of the 12 members of the NBBF Board took the decision to convene the Congress.
Article 21.9 of the NBBF Constitution requires the Board to meet at least four times every year, with at least one meeting in each quarter.
Critics of the federation’s current administration allege that this requirement has not been consistently observed, raising further questions about the validity of decisions purportedly taken by the Board.
The dispute also invokes Article 20.1, which establishes Congress as the supreme authority of the NBBF.
Those questioning the process argue that the Board, being subject to the Constitution, must exercise its powers in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the federation’s governing document.
Another major issue raised ahead of the Yola meeting is the alleged failure to invite some members of the NBBF Board to the Congress.
The affected members are said to include:
– Prof. Florence Adeyanju — NAWIS Representative
– Olumide Bamiduro — NAPHERD-SD Representative
– Adamu Deshi — North-East Representative
– Scot Nnaji — Technical Representative
– Olumide Oyedeji — South-West Representative
– Suraj Yusuf — North-West Representative
The development has further intensified the disagreement over the process leading to Friday’s Congress.
Against the backdrop of the alleged constitutional breaches, there are calls for the National Sports Commission to intervene and ensure that the NBBF complies with its 2019 Constitution before the Congress proceeds.Athletics training programs
Several letters are said to have been sent to the  sports regulatory authorities raising concerns over the planned meeting.
Those behind the calls for intervention want the proposed Congress restrained until the federation addresses the outstanding issues and demonstrates compliance with the mandatory provisions governing the convening of Congress.
The controversy comes at a time when the NBBF is facing a broader dispute over its governance and leadership structure.
With the Yola Congress scheduled for Friday, 25th September , 2026, attention is now focused on whether the meeting will proceed as planned and whether the concerns raised over the constitutional procedures will be addressed before delegates assemble.