SWAN President Backs NSC On Proposed N2m Minimum Wage For Players
.. Advises Clubs to Explore Opportunities
President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN), Benjamin Isaiah Kemje has thrown his weight behind the leadership of the National Sports Commission over the proposal for all the clubs participating in the Nigerian top flight league to peg their minimum wage to a sum of Two Million Naira.
The Media expert from Leadership Newspaper made this known while featuring in a popular WhatsApp group in Nigeria, ‘Sports World Platform’ on Friday, 17th July, 2026 hosted by Ibadan based Sports journalist, Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR).
The Kogi born Media expert aligned with the National Sports Commission citing players exodus to obscure leagues on the allegations of poor renumeration and welfare package by clubs management.
“On the question of a proposal of 2 Million Nara minimum wage for NPFL players, it’s a proposal as you said, but it’s left for the administrators to do the needful. For me, it would have been a good idea but the question is how many of the clubs will be able to afford it.
“This may be an opportunity for club owners to think outside the box and explore partnership and business opportunities with various multinationals to complement monthly subvention ,particularly the government owned clubs so that this will be achievable.
“For me, I think the proposal by the NSC is achievable but we need to know how we can strengthen institutions that would encourage all the clubs for them to live up to their expectations. If there is minimum wage across board, the idea of players exodus will obviously stop and the league will retain its best legs.
“Another point is that it will also help the clubs and the players to put in the best to achieve required success. For me, it’s a good proposal if there is a political will.
“Though, some clubs have complained that it’s not achievable but I can tell you for free, this is a possibility if we can give it all it takes, there is nothing impossible in Nigeria ” He posited.
His leadership in both mainstream journalism and sports media continues to shape public discourse and strengthen the practice of journalism in Nigeria.
Credit: Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR)
