FG Inaugurate Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre Board to Fight Drug Cheating in Sports
The Federal Government don officially inaugurate the Technical Board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre (NADC)as part of efforts to promote fairness, integrity and transparency in Nigerian sports.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Abuja.
Speaking during the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, describe the inauguration as a major turning point for Nigerian sports.
According to him, the country has moved beyond policy discussions to establishing an independent institution backed by law to enforce anti-doping regulations.
The SGF explained that the development followed the signing of the National Anti-Doping Act, 2025, which officially established the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre as a statutory body responsible for implementing Nigeria’s anti-doping obligations in line with the World Anti-Doping Code.
Akume acknowledged that Nigeria’s image in international sports has suffered in the past because of doping violations.
He said the establishment of the Centre and the inauguration of its Technical Board demonstrate the Federal Government’s determination to protect the credibility of Nigerian athletes and restore confidence in the country’s sporting system.
Addressing the newly inaugurated board members, the SGF reminded them that their appointment is a responsibility, not a ceremonial position.
He urged them to carry out their duties with professionalism, independence and accountability while protecting clean athletes and ensuring strict compliance with anti-doping regulations.
According to him, the Board will also focus on educating athletes, coaches and other stakeholders about the dangers of doping, while expanding awareness campaigns to schools, community sports clubs, sports academies and national sports federations across the country.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, congratulated the board members and pledged the National Assembly’s continued support for Nigeria’s anti-doping programme.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving greater attention to sports development through increased budgetary allocations.
According to Senator Ningi, the current administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to repositioning sports as an important tool for national development.
He added that, based on his experience overseeing the sports sector since 1999, the level of funding and attention given to sports under President Tinubu ranks among the highest the country has witnessed.
