The National Sports Commission (NSC) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift approval of the National Anti-Doping Bill, which is now law.
NSC Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko expressed his gratitude in a statement issued by Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi, Director of Information and Public Relations at the NSC. He noted that this significant legislative achievement, which has been in development for nearly two decades, underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to aligning Nigeria with global anti-doping standards and promoting sports growth in the nation.
“I sincerely appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his prompt action in signing this bill into law. From the beginning, the President has shown a clear desire to resolve this issue. He instructed all relevant parties to expedite their efforts to ensure the bill’s passage after it had lingered for nearly twenty years. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The President exerted considerable influence to bring this bill to fruition,” Dikko stated.
He further emphasized, “All our achievements in such a short time reflect the President’s unwavering support. This clearly indicates the backing we receive from the presidency.”
Malam Dikko also acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders who worked tirelessly to achieve this goal. “Upon our appointment, one of the immediate directives from the President was to ensure the quick finalization of the Anti-Doping Bill. We engaged with all involved parties, including the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Justice, and the Sports Committees of both Houses of Parliament, along with legal representatives and officials from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).”
He offered special thanks to key individuals, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, the Chairpersons of the Senate and House Committees on Sports, and the Clerk of the National Assembly, for their collaborative efforts that enabled the National Anti-Doping Bill to finally pass after nearly two decades of deliberation.
The new law domestically implements the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, establishing an independent body to enforce the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards, to which Nigeria is committed. A highlight of the Act is the establishment of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre, which Mallam Dikko finds particularly exciting.
“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,” he stated.
Malam Dikko noted that while Africa currently has only one such laboratory, countries are expected to conduct at least 1,500 tests annually. “At present, our samples are sent abroad, as is the case for many African nations; however, once the new laboratory is operational in a few years, this will no longer be necessary. Additionally, it will serve as a substantial revenue generator for the country. We cannot thank the President enough for this initiative,” he added.
This Act marks a significant step in Nigeria’s commitment to fairness and integrity in global sports, reaffirming the nation’s resolve to uphold the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sports. “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. The President’s decisive action in signing this bill sends a clear message to the world that we value integrity, not just in sports but in all our endeavors,” concluded Mallam Dikko.
Hon. Olopade, Director-General of the NSC, also highlighted that with the completion of the NADO Act, the NSC would enhance its collaboration with the new organization to ensure Nigeria remains fully compliant and provides necessary support for seamless implementation of the NADO.
