Victoria Mbangwa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the National Anti-Doping Bill into law, marking a significant milestone for Nigerian sports.
This crucial legislation ensures the country aligns with global anti-doping standards by creating an independent anti-doping agency, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to clean and fair competition.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has hailed the President’s swift action, describing it as a major step toward positioning Nigeria as a leader in anti-doping efforts across Africa. NSC Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko, in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi, emphasized that this move aligns Nigeria with international best practices.
“With this Act, Nigeria is set to become a leading anti-doping hub both on the continent and globally, as outlined in the RHINSE framework. This aligns perfectly with the President’s approval of funding in the 2025 Appropriations Act for building and equipping a world-class anti-doping laboratory in Nigeria,” Dikko stated.
He further highlighted the importance of the legislation in advancing Nigeria’s sports infrastructure. A key component of the new law is the establishment of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre, which will oversee compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards. Currently, African nations conduct at least 1,500 doping tests annually, with many, including Nigeria, sending their samples abroad for analysis. However, the new law paves the way for a world-class anti-doping laboratory to be built within Nigeria, a project that has already received funding approval in the 2025 Appropriations Act.
Dikko noted that this development would not only enhance the integrity of Nigerian sports but also serve as an economic asset. “With only one accredited anti-doping lab on the continent, Nigeria’s new facility will become a hub for testing services across Africa, creating revenue and jobs,” he said.
The passage of the bill was made possible through collaborative efforts between the NSC, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Ministry of Justice, and the Sports Committees of the National Assembly. Dikko expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved, acknowledging their role in bringing the long-delayed legislation to fruition.
Hon. Olopade, Director-General of the NSC, affirmed that the commission would work closely with the newly established National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) to ensure seamless implementation and compliance. “With this legislation, the President has reaffirmed our dedication to fairness in sports competitions. Our athletes must remain free from any banned substances at all times,” he stated.
By signing the bill into law, President Tinubu has reinforced Nigeria’s stance on upholding fairness in sports and aligning with the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport. This decisive step signals to the global sports community that Nigeria is fully committed to ethical competition, strengthening its credibility on the international stage.
