The Senate passed the “National Anti-Doping Bill 2024” for a second reading, targeting the prohibition of performance-enhancing substances among Nigerian athletes.
President Bola Tinubu initiated the bill, aimed at aligning Nigeria with international anti-doping standards ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The bill seeks to establish the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre to enforce the World Anti-Doping Code.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized that the legislation would create an independent body to ensure doping-free sports, protect athletes’ rights, and promote fair competition.
“It will co-ordinate and harmonise effective sports anti-doping programme at the national and international levels, with regard to detection, deterrence and prevention of doping” he said.
“It will provide measures for the prevention and control of doping in sports.”
“The UNESCO Convention, had, in October, 2011, made an interim arrangement whereby the National Anti-Doping Committee was established.
“However, in legislation, its committee was not backed by legal instrument or legislation, its operation and objectivity remain weak and unattainable.
“As a result, the current administration deemed it necessary to introduce this Bill because of its strategic importance and in recognition of the fact that Nigeria is a sport-loving country.”
“The country has numerous sports enthusiasts, who view sports as an epicentre of unity and togetherness.
“Therefore, it is imperative that the Senate aligns itself with the reasoning of the Executive as this Bill seeks to bring about improvement and ensure fair-play in the sporting environment.”
The bill, supported by senators, was referred to the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports for further review.
