The National Sports Commission (NSC) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the National Anti-Doping Bill into law, a move that aligns Nigeria with global anti-doping standards and strengthens the country’s reputation in international sports.
The bill, which had been pending for nearly two decades, was signed into law to ensure Nigeria’s compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sports.
The law also establishes an independent body responsible for implementing anti-doping regulations within the country.
Speaking on the development, NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, expressed appreciation for the President’s decisive action.
“From the start, Mr. President made it clear that he wanted this bill completed. His leadership and insistence on fast-tracking the process have now made this a reality. This is another demonstration of his commitment to sports development in Nigeria,” Dikko said.
A key highlight of the Anti-Doping Act 2025 is the creation of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Center, which will serve as a testing hub for the country and the wider African continent.
The bill’s passage also paves the way for the construction of a world-class anti-doping laboratory, as approved in the 2025 Appropriations Act.
Currently, there is only one accredited anti-doping laboratory in Africa, forcing Nigeria and other African nations to send athletes’ samples abroad for testing.
The establishment of a local facility will cut costs, speed up testing, and generate revenue for the country.
“With this Act, Nigeria is set to become an anti-doping hub in Africa.
“Once our lab is operational, we will no longer have to send samples abroad for testing, and this will be a major boost for our sports sector,” Dikko stated.
The enactment of the Anti-Doping Act strengthens Nigeria’s credibility in international sports, ensuring fairness in competitions while protecting Nigerian athletes from doping-related sanctions.
With the law in place, Nigeria will now fully comply with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations, enhancing its standing with global bodies such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and UNESCO.
This will also put an end to potential fines or sanctions due to non-compliance with doping regulations.
The Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Olopade, pledged the commission’s commitment to working closely with the newly established National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) to ensure seamless enforcement of anti-doping regulations in Nigeria.
Other benefits of the Anti-Doping Act include, strengthening Nigeria’s commitment to fair play and sports integrity, enhancing education and awareness campaigns on doping.
It will also ensure drug-testing before, during, and after competitions and provide a legal framework for implementing anti-doping strategies in compliance with WADA rules.
“With this law, Nigeria reaffirms its dedication to clean and fair sports. Our athletes must remain free from banned substances at all times, and this move ensures Nigeria’s place in the global fight against doping,” Dikko concluded.
The signing of the National Anti-Doping Act 2025 marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s sports history.
By domesticating international anti-doping regulations and establishing a local testing facility, the country is positioning itself as a leader in anti-doping enforcement across Africa.
With the law now in effect, Nigeria is set to strengthen its reputation, protect its athletes, and enhance its global standing in sports integrity.
