Ex-High Performance Staff demand payment of outstanding

By Joe Apu

Former staff of Nigeria’s High Performance sports programme have called on the Federal Government to settle two years of outstanding salary arrears allegedly owed to them under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement issued on behalf of the affected workers, Dr. Angie Taylor said the unpaid salaries were incurred despite the staff fully carrying out their duties during the period in question. The group acknowledged that the High Performance contract was not renewed under the current administration but stressed that governance is a continuous process and obligations entered into by previous administrations should be honoured.

According to the statement, the High Performance programme was initiated during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan between 2013 and 2015 and later extended under former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, from 2015 to 2017.

The former staff said they worked closely with the National Sports Commission and other relevant agencies to improve athlete performance, welfare, and development. They highlighted their role in fostering national unity through sports and supporting Nigerian athletes competing at continental and global levels.

The group also recalled their involvement during the All Africa Games, noting that they ensured athletes received their kits before departure despite logistical challenges. They further cited their contribution to talent identification and early development of athletes such as Ese Brume and Tobi Amusan, who have since achieved international success for Nigeria.

While expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve the country and collaborate with Nigerian colleagues, the former staff maintained that the outstanding salaries for work already completed should be paid in the interest of fairness, accountability, and continuity of government.

They also thanked the media for bringing attention to the issue and expressed hope for an amicable resolution with the Federal Government.