Joel Ajayi
As the final phase of the 2025 Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (CGC) National Volleyball Premier League for men and women commenced, the organizers has reaffirmed their commitment to improving player welfare, competition standards, and overall development of the sport in Nigeria.
Speaking at the press conference to mark the start of the final phase, the Custom’s CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who was represented at the event by the Sports Secretary Nigeria Customs Service Samuel Onikeku expressed satisfaction with the progress made since the league’s debut last year.
According to him the CGC has insisted that players remain at the centre of the project, noting that 70% of last year’s budget went directly to athletes. Based on lessons from the maiden edition, several adjustments were made in 2025 to enhance welfare and fairness.
“One of the key improvements was the increase in team subsidies, which rose from ₦300,000 per team to ₦500,000.
“During the first phase of the 2025 league, a total of ₦24 million was disbursed—₦12 million to players and another ₦12 million to teams.
“The same amount will be released for the final phase, bringing the total subsidy for the season to ₦48 million.”
Onileku stressed that the Comptroller-General is particularly passionate about ensuring that players—“the main characters everyone comes to watch”—receive adequate compensation for their sacrifice and commitment. Beyond volleyball, the Customs CG is reportedly extending similar support to wrestling, football, and soon, athletics.
The prize money structure remains unchanged from last year, after the CG increased it from the initial ₦3m–₦2m–₦1m format to ₦5 million for the champions, ₦3 million for second place, and ₦2 million for third place.
He hinted that the prizes could still rise before the end of the tournament, noting that volleyball currently offers some of the highest rewards among team sports in Nigeria outside football.
Individual awards, each valued at ₦100,000, also remain intact.
In addition, the CG introduced a new category this year: the Most Disciplined Team Award for both men and women, reflecting his strong emphasis on discipline and sportsmanship.
Onikeku who is also an AFN Board Member expressed gratitude to members of the press for what they described as “100% support” during the African Clubs Championship, noting that widespread coverage—both English and French—helped elevate the sport’s visibility. They added that this was one of the reasons the CG of Customs was recently honoured as a grand patron of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Onikeku thanked all stakeholders, expressing confidence that by the final, the league would once again record a successful outing.
Speaking also, the Representatives of Nigeria Volleyball NVBF the 2nd Vice President Arch Adamu Tenimu thanked the Nigeria Customs for the supports reaffirming that the Service remain as the sole sponsor of the league and a core partner in the sport’s broader development.
He praised the Customs Service for its continued commitment, noting that their involvement has been instrumental in elevating the Premier League to internationally acceptable standards.
“Customs has played a key role in bringing us to this level, and we will continue to appreciate and seek this kind of partnership,” he added.
Beyond the ongoing competition, the Federation announced a major structural shift in its calendar. Beginning next year, the NVBF will no longer conclude all major local competitions at the end of the year—when many athletes and officials are often preparing for holidays.
While giving Vote of Thanked, the NVBF board Member, Mrs Chinedu Odozor Onikeku expressed gratitude to the CGC Adeniyi, President, Board, and all stakeholders for their support and commitment throughout the season.
