By Oluwashina Okeleji BBC Sport, Lagos

NFL chairman Obaseki wants to get tough on security issues

Nigeria Football League board officials says clubs found guilty of failing to prevent violence by providing inadequate security will be demoted to lower divisions.

The move comes as the Nigeria Football League (NFL) battles to eradicate violence which has recently blighted the Nigerian game.

In March, three fans died following violence which broke out in a game between former African champions Enyimba and league newcomers Akwa United.

NFL chairman Oyuiki Obaseki told BBC Sport that despite the fact state government runs all the Premier division sides, he will not be forced to bend the rules.

"It's essential for us to take drastic steps before our football is plunged into total shambles," Obaseki told BBC Sport on Thursday.

"Any club found wanting in the act of violence now automatically earns relegation to the lower league, and that goes for teams in the lower leagues as well.

"Despite the fact that all the clubs in the premier division are being controlled by the governments, we will not be forced to bend the rules at any given time.

"No club is above the law and certainly not any individual as well."

In early April, Akwa United were given the heaviest fine in the history of Nigerian football following the violence which led to the death of the fans.

And Obaseki insists that the NFL have decided to implement all the recommendations given by an independent body which investigated that incident.

"Those recommendations will practically change the face of our football for good," Obaseki said.

"We've had enough of these charades perpetrated by these fans and unprofessional clubs and management."

(i) Stadiums under construction will no longer be used for any NFL organized matches until construction work is completed and the stadium is certified fit by inspectors.

(ii) All clubs under the NFL will have a Management Board which must be duly elected with tenures properly spelt out.

(iii) NFL henceforth discourages the situation whereby Commissioners for Sport also double as club chairmen.

(iv) NFL in collaboration with the NFA will encourage State FA's to have police representatives on their boards.

(v) There will be constant and regular seminar/enlightenment programmes at educating all football supporters and fans on how best to support their teams.

(vi) Roles of Match Assessors will be properly spelt out and that the "Match Assessors" should not be visible at match venues.

(vii) Only people of proven integrity and good knowledge of the game will be appointed as Match Commissioners.

(viii) Any proven case of match fixing would automatically earn the teams involved demotion to the lower division.

(ix) NFL will regularly organize sensitization seminars with the media.

(x) Any club found to have committed the same offence as per No.1 above on three occasions will be demoted to the next lower division.