Referees and match officials in the Nigeria Premier Football League face unpaid indemnities spanning several matchdays. The payment delay has triggered growing concern ahead of the 2025/26 season’s second stanza. Currently, the NPFL remains on a scheduled mid-season break across the country.
Reports indicate officials have not received payments since around matchday eight of the season. Affected personnel include referees, referee assessors, and match commissioners handling league fixtures. Collectively, nearly 200 officials contribute to the league’s weekly operations.
According to sources, basic matchday allowances range between N60,000 and N90,000 per official. These figures exclude hotel accommodation and transport-related reimbursements. Consequently, unpaid allowances have created financial strain for several officials.
Some referees and other officials expressed frustration, citing a lack of communication regarding the delayed payments. Nevertheless, many continue officiating while relying on alternative income sources. The situation has raised concerns about morale and officiating standards.
In 2023, the NPFL approved a 30 percent increase in officials’ indemnities. Additionally, league prize money rose from N100 million to N200 million. Each participating club also receives N10 million annually.
Since those reforms, GTI Asset Management has handled indemnity payments for officials. However, the firm recently acknowledged outstanding payment obligations. GTI’s media representative confirmed payments are currently being processed.
He assured stakeholders that all arrears would clear before the season resumes. Despite this assurance, affected officials have yet to confirm payment receipts. Many await confirmation through official rebate remittances.
Meanwhile, former champions Rivers United lead the NPFL standings with 37 points. The club tops the table after 19 matches this season. As the league resumes, attention remains on resolving officiating payment concerns promptly.
