NVBF, Customs Target Early League Calendar,Improved Competitiveness
By Aderonke Ojo
Nigeria Customs Service( NCS) , Head of Sports, Samuel Onikeku , praised the Federation for efforts to begin league activities earlier in the next year, noting that late-season competitions previously hindered Nigerian clubs’ performance in the African Club Championships.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, Onikeku a representative of the Comptroller General of NCS, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi.
This year, he said, the Customs volleyball team had to embark on a training tour of the Benin Republic due to lack of competitive matches before the continental event.
He assured that sponsorship delays would not come from the NCS and expressed confidence that an earlier calendar would raise the standard of the sport nationwide.
Both officials also commended the media for extensive and accurate reporting of volleyball events, particularly during the African Clubs Championship, which contributed to the CGC’s recognition as a Grand Patron of SWAN.
As the final phase begins,Adamu
Tenimu the League Committee Chairman and Onikeku expressed optimism that the championship will produce “worthy winners” on the December 13th,2025.
The final phase of the 2025 Comptroller General of Customs Nigeria Volleyball Premier League for men and women began on Monday in Abuja.
With the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) unveiling major reforms to its competition calendar and reaffirming the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as its sole and strategic sponsor.
The competition commenced on December 1 to December 13th at the Package ‘B’ of Moshood Abiola National stadium in Abuja.
Onikeku said the Service remains committed to elevating the standard of volleyball nationwide through increased financial support and a player-centred approach.
“We are excited to conclude this league on a strong note. Building on last year’s success.
“ We introduced key improvements this season, and about 70 percent of the league budget went directly to players.
These adjustments have produced tangible results,” he said.
Onikeku announced a significant increase in team and player subsidies from N300,000 to N500,000 per team as part of Customs expanded investment in the league.
He said that teams that will finish 4th to 12th position will also receive N500,000 each, in line with global sports practice.
“ A total of N48 million has been committed to player and team subsidies across the two phases of the league, with N24 million allocated in each phase.
“ The Prize money remains unchanged from last season:1st place will receive N5 million,2nd place will receive N3 million and 3rd place will receive N2 million,”Onikeku said.
Onikeku added that an upward review may still occur before the league ends, noting that volleyball continues to offer one of Nigeria’s highest prize packages outside football.
“ Individual awards will attract N100,000 each with new honours introduced for the most disciplined male and most disciplined female
players, reinforcing the sport’s emphasis on discipline and professionalism.
“ He praised the Comptroller General for broadening Customs support across multiple sports, including wrestling, football, and, soon, athletics.
“We are grateful for his genuine interest in players the true stars of the game.
“ His support reflects a deep commitment to youth development and sporting excellence,” he said.
He also commended journalists for extensive coverage of volleyball activities, particularly the African Club Championships, saying their work contributed to the Comptroller General being named Grand Patron of SWAN.
He added that on behalf of the Comptroller General, sponsor of the 2025 league, I say thank you. Let the games begin! On the 13th, we will crown worthy winners.
Tenimu ,reaffirmed that the Nigerian Customs Service is “not only the league’s sponsor but a core partner” of the Federation.
“First and foremost, Customs is the sole sponsor of the Premier League, and we appreciate their unwavering support.
“ They partner with us in several other areas beyond the league itself,” he said.
He clarified that a recent media report attributed to him was inaccurate and confirmed that he had lodged a formal complaint with the NVBF Media Committee.
Adamu emphasised that the league’s successful organisation now meeting international best practices was largely due to Customs intervention.
He said that the NVBF plans to overhaul its competition calendar beginning in 2026, with all national competitions set to conclude by June or July, in line with global scheduling standards.
“We can not continue to hold major league events at the end of the year when many people are preparing for holidays.
“ From next year, the season will end mid-year, leaving the latter part for international competitions,” he said.
He confirmed that Nigeria’s beach volleyball team will travel to Angola next week for an international tour.
A total of 12 men’s teams are participating and 11 women’s teams.