PRESS RELEASE
NSC THANKS PRESIDENT TINUBU FOR SIGNING NATIONAL ANTI-DOPING BILL INTO LAW
National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. He did so on behalf of the entire sports stakeholders. The gratitude was for signing the Anti-doping bill into law. According to the NSC Chairman, signing the bill into law reinforces President Tinubu’s intentional and deliberate resolve. This action ensures that the nation aligns with global anti-doping standards. It also contributes to overall sports development.
His words, “My sincere appreciation and gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for speedily signing this bill into law. From day one, Mr. President has been clear about his desire to get this done. He directed all parties to speed up actions. This was to ensure the bill is concluded after lingering for close to two decades. Where there is a will, there must be a way. Mr. President put so much pressure for this bill to be concluded and brought to his table for assent.
“All our accomplishments within such a short time are down to the President’s support and encouragement. This is another clear manifestation of the presidential backing we are enjoying.”
He continued, “Indeed, I must thank other critical stakeholders for working tirelessly to get this concluded as directed by Mr. President. I recall when we were appointed, one of the immediate focal action points directed by Mr. President is to ensure the immediate conclusion of the Anti-Doping Bill. We immediately got to work and engaged with all parties involved. These parties include the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. They also include Sports Committees of both the House of Representatives and Senate. The Clerk of the National Assembly, Legal representatives, and WADA officials are also involved.”
Accordingly, I must specially thank the Attorney-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice. I also thank the Chairman Senate Committee on Sports. My thanks go to the Chairman House Committee on Sports. I am grateful to the Clerk of the National Assembly and other administrative staff. Additionally, my gratitude extends to the WADA Africa CEO for the brilliant collaboration and support. This teamwork helped get the NADO Bill passed after close to two decades of back and forth. It is now duly assented by Mr. President.”
The Act domesticates the International Convention Against Doping in Sport. It establishes an independent body responsible for implementing the World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards subscribed to by Nigeria.
Most importantly, this Act establishes the Nigeria Anti-doping Center, a development that excites Mallam Dikko.
With this Act, Nigeria will become an anti-doping hub on the continent. It will also become a hub in the world as a whole as envisioned in the RHINSE framework. This aligns with Mr. President’s gracious approval in the 2025 Appropriations Act. The Act supports the construction and equipping of a world class Anti-doping lab in Nigeria.
“There is only one of such laboratories in Africa. Every country is expected to do at least 1,500 tests every year. Our samples are presently taken abroad just like other African countries. Once the new lab comes on stream in a couple of years, this will be a thing of the past. Moreover, this will be a huge revenue generator for the country. We can’t thank the President enough for this”, he added.
The Act signifies Nigeria’s commitment to fairness and integrity in global sports. It domesticates the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sports.
“With this, Mr. President has reaffirmed the country’s commitment towards fairness in sporting competitions. Our athletes must be clean and free from any banned substances at all times. Mr. President’s action of signing this bill into law promptly demonstrates to the world that we uphold integrity. This applies not just in sports but in all our endeavors,” Mallam Dikko concluded.
The Director-General of the NSC Hon Olopade noted the conclusion of the NADO Act. The NSC will enhance its efforts. They will work closely with the organization to ensure Nigeria remains fully compliant. They will provide all requisite support to ensure a seamless takeoff of the NADO.
The National Sports Commission and the National Sports Industry Policy (2022-2026) list many advantages of the National Anti-doping Act. For instance, it will reclaim our position and will address all lingering doping problems facing the athletes and the nation.
Similarly, it will solidify Nigeria’s commitment to fairness, excellence, and integrity in global sports. It also safeguards the future of Nigerian sports by protecting our athletes from unfair practices. This reinforces our global reputation as a country that upholds integrity.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and the UNESCO Convention Against Doping in Sports will now respect us. They will give us the recognition we deserve. They will codify that Nigeria is compliant. This will end all consideration of sanctions and fines.
It will also encourage athletes’ education and enlightenment through awareness campaign strategies while aiding drug-testing in and out of competitions.
This National Anti-doping Act 2025 will empower the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO). It will enable NADO to coordinate all anti-doping strategies. This coordination will comply with the provisions of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC).
The Act will support the establishment of an accredited anti-doping control laboratory in the country. It will ensure adequate funding. This will be a source of revenue and contribute to the sports economy.
Ultimately, it will enable the development of a National Anti-Doping Policy and Guidelines. This will encapsulate anti-doping rules which comply with the WADA Code.
