By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Uyo
Nigeria has taken a major leap in its quest for global sports credibility and athlete protection as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the long-awaited National Anti-Doping Bill into law, ending nearly two decades of legislative limbo.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the presidential assent as a turning point that aligns Nigeria with international standards in sports integrity and anti-doping compliance.
“This is a historic moment for Nigerian sports. President Tinubu has shown uncommon leadership by driving this bill to conclusion after almost 20 years of back and forth. His resolve and political will made all the difference,” Dikko stated in a press release issued by the Commission in Abuja.
The new law, which establishes the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre, domesticates the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sports and empowers an independent body to enforce the World Anti-Doping Code. According to Dikko, the act is not just a legal milestone but a strategic foundation for the future of clean and credible sporting performance in Nigeria.
“With the establishment of our own anti-doping agency and, soon, a world-class testing laboratory—thanks to Mr. President’s inclusion in the 2025 Appropriations Act—Nigeria is poised to become a hub for doping control in Africa,” he added.
Dikko noted that African countries currently send samples abroad due to the lack of testing facilities on the continent, except for a single lab in South Africa. Nigeria’s upcoming facility is expected to reduce that dependence and generate revenue while restoring the country’s standing with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and UNESCO.
The NSC also acknowledged the contributions of several key stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, sports committees in the National Assembly, and WADA officials, for ensuring the swift passage of the bill.
Speaking further, the Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the commission is now set to work closely with the National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) to ensure full compliance with global standards.
“This Act gives us the legal and institutional framework to protect our athletes, educate them, and prevent future sanctions. It’s not just about punishment—it’s about building a culture of integrity and fairness in sports,” Olopade said.
Among the many benefits outlined in the 2022–2026 National Sports Industry Policy, the Act will improve testing protocols in and out of competition, develop national anti-doping guidelines, and position Nigeria as a compliant, respected member of the international sporting community.
With this bold legislative move, Nigeria signals its determination to protect the spirit of fair competition, restore global confidence, and champion clean sports across the continent.