Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution of the board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), marking a major step in the country’s fight against doping in sports.
READ ALSO: Oloko Relishes Super Falcons Call-up Ahead of Cameroon Friendlies
Dikko made this known while speaking on recent developments within the sports sector, explaining that the approval follows the signing of the National Anti-Doping Bill into law last year, after nearly two decades of delay.
According to him, the move was necessary to align Nigeria with global anti-doping standards and to safeguard the country from international sanctions.
“The President has approved the constitution of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Agency board,” Dikko said. “This is a very important step for Nigerian sports and one we have been working towards for a long time.”
He explained that the absence of a fully functional anti-doping structure in the past had exposed Nigeria to the risk of being flagged by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which could have serious consequences for athletes and the nation’s participation in international competitions.
“WADA has clear conditions that every country must meet,” Dikko added. “Without a properly constituted agency and board, Nigeria stood the risk of sanctions, including suspension from international events.”
The NSC chairman stressed that the newly approved board will be tasked with ensuring strict compliance with anti-doping regulations, education of athletes and officials, and the enforcement of testing and disciplinary procedures across all sports.
He noted that clean sport is non-negotiable if Nigeria hopes to maintain credibility on the global stage.
“Our athletes must compete on a level playing field,” he said. “This board will help ensure that Nigeria continues to uphold the principles of fairness, integrity and transparency in sports.”
Dikko also described the development as part of broader reforms within the sports sector under the current administration, aimed at strengthening governance structures and protecting athletes’ careers.
“This is about protecting our athletes and the image of the country,” he concluded. “With this approval, Nigeria is firmly back on track in meeting its international obligations.”
The constitution of the NADA board is expected to boost confidence among stakeholders and reassure global bodies of Nigeria’s commitment to clean and fair competition.
