Referees in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have something to celebrate as the 2024/25 season kicks off this Saturday. In a significant move, the NPFL board has increased referees’ pay by a notable 50%, along with the introduction of new communications gadgets to enhance their performance on the pitch.
This development fulfills a promise made by NPFL board chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, at the close of the previous season. And there’s more on the horizon—negotiations are underway to provide air transportation for both referees and players, a move that could make traveling to match venues easier and faster.
Sani Zubairu, the President of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), confirmed that referees are already in training to familiarize themselves with the newly acquired gadgets, which will be used in all 380 NPFL matches, including Federation Cup games.
“We are training the referees to get them comfortable with the new equipment, which will be used by all four officials during every match. This will undoubtedly enhance their performance. Referees using high-performance gadgets cannot be compared to those who aren’t. We expect even more advanced technology to be introduced over time,” Zubairu said.
The training is taking place in batches in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
On top of the technological upgrades, this marks the second time in just a year that NPFL referees will enjoy an increase in their match indemnities. According to Zubairu, this financial motivation is crucial to ensuring that referees are well taken care of, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) continues to prioritize their welfare.
A top official from one of the NPFL’s partners revealed that a referee’s earnings are largely influenced by the distance they travel for matches. “We spend close to ₦10 million on match officials every match day. Referees can earn between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 per match, which covers transport and feeding costs. All accommodations are booked and paid for 48 hours before the officials arrive at their match venues, and travel allowances are paid upfront,” the official explained.
This payment structure, which was already in place, has been maintained even with the recent pay raise, signaling a clear commitment to improving the working conditions for referees in the league.
As the new season approaches, it’s clear that the NPFL is stepping up its game, ensuring referees are well-equipped, motivated, and ready to deliver at the highest level.
