ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the National Anti-Doping Bill, a piece of legislation aimed at aligning Nigeria with global anti-doping standards. The law’s passage comes after nearly two decades of delays and is seen as a significant step towards promoting integrity in Nigerian sports.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), praised President Tinubu for his decisive action. The new law establishes the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre, which will be responsible for enforcing the World Anti-Doping Code and international standards.
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The legislation is the result of collaboration between various stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Ministry of Justice, the National Assembly, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Dikko stated that Nigeria aims to become a leading hub for anti-doping efforts in Africa and globally. He also announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art anti-doping laboratory with funding from the 2025 Appropriations Act. This laboratory would reduce the cost of sending samples abroad and potentially generate revenue for the country.
Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the NSC, affirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with the newly established National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) to ensure compliance with international standards.
The National Anti-Doping Act 2025 enforces the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport, enabling the development of a National Anti-Doping Policy and Guidelines in alignment with the WADA Code. It will also promote drug-testing, athlete education, and awareness, and prevent sanctions from global sports bodies.
The new law is expected to transform Nigeria’s sports ecosystem by encouraging fair play, transparency, and global competitiveness. The effectiveness of the law will depend on its implementation and enforcement, as well as the availability of resources for testing and education
