The Anti-Doping bill, aimed at preventing Nigerian athletes from using substances that could enhance their performance during or after sporting events, has successfully passed its second reading in the Nigerian Senate.
Titled the “National Anti-Doping Bill 2024,” the legislation was submitted to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week and was presented on the floor by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who chaired the session.
This bill is designed to establish the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre, fulfilling the country’s commitment to the World Anti-Doping Code and aligning with international standards. Its purpose is to domesticate and enforce the global convention against doping in Nigerian sports.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, clarified that the proposed legislation endorsed by Tinubu would result in the creation of an independent body. This body will be responsible for implementing the World Anti-Doping Code and the international standards adopted by Nigeria. He emphasised that it would safeguard athletes’ rights to engage in doping-free sports, thereby promoting their well-being and ensuring equal treatment for all athletes.
The Senate Leader said Opeyemi Bamidele said, “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.
“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, and 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.