A career progression dispute has shaken the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, compounding the Ministry’s challenges following Nigeria’s disappointing medal less performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, despite spending over N9 billion. The dispute centres around Mrs Amaka Ashiofu, who was demoted from her position as acting head of the Federation of Elite Athletes Department FEAD after a petition by Mr Olumide Bamiduro, her senior colleague.
Mr. Bamiduro argued that Mrs. Ashiofu had been wrongfully elevated above him. The Head of Civil Service intervened, reinstating Mr. Bamiduro’s seniority and reversing Mrs. Ashiofu’s appointment, but the Ministry has yet to resolve the issue of her cadre conversion. Insiders revealed that Mrs. Ashiofu should have been transferred to the Ministry of Youth after its separation from Sports in 2023 but was instead promoted within the Ministry of Sports.
The Ministry’s refusal to comply with the directives has fueled allegations of favouritism, further damaging its credibility. Critics argue that the Ministry should focus on improving Nigeria’s sporting performance rather than engaging in internal power struggles. Concerns about transparency and accountability continued to grow as Mrs. Ashiofu proceeded to take promotion exams, despite the Head of Civil Service’s directive to suspend her promotion activities.
Editorial
The ongoing career progression dispute within the Federal Ministry of Sports Development reveals a troubling trend of mismanagement and disregard for proper procedure at a time when the Ministry should be focused on rebuilding its reputation. Nigeria’s poor performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, coupled with this internal power struggle, sends a clear message something is deeply wrong within the leadership of the Ministry.
It is disheartening to see taxpayer money, over N9 billion in this case, go to waste without delivering any tangible results for the country’s athletes. Instead of directing resources towards the development of sports and the nurturing of talent, the Ministry seems more concerned with indulging in petty disputes over career progression.
We believe that this dispute is emblematic of the broader issues within the Ministry. There is a need for accountability, transparency, and fairness in handling promotions and staff appointments. The fact that Mrs. Ashiofu was allowed to continue with her promotion exams, despite clear instructions from the Head of Civil Service, demonstrates a blatant disregard for authority and due process.
Ultimately, this situation highlights the urgent need for reform within the Federal Ministry of Sports Development. Nigeria’s athletes deserve better, and the public demands transparency in how the Ministry operates. Only through meaningful changes can the Ministry regain public trust and refocus on what truly matters improving Nigeria’s performance on the global sports stage.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria’s failure to win any medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics marked one of the country’s worst performances at the Games.
- The Federal Ministry of Sports Development was separated from the Ministry of Youth in 2023 under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
- Nigeria last won an Olympic gold medal in 1996, when the men’s football team triumphed in Atlanta.
- Career progression disputes within government ministries can lead to long delays in project execution and overall inefficiency.
- The Head of Civil Service plays a critical role in ensuring merit-based promotions across Nigeria’s civil service.
