FG Inaugurates Technical Board of Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre for Sports

The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated the Technical Board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre (NADC), marking a significant step toward strengthening the integrity of sports in the country. The ceremony, held in Abuja, was led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who described the event as a defining moment in Nigeria’s sporting history.

The newly constituted board is headed by Barrister Rasheed Olanrewaju Kazeem as Chairman, with Mrs. Mainasara Illo serving as Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer. Their appointment follows the enactment of the National Anti-Doping Act, 2025, which established the NADC as a statutory body tasked with implementing Nigeria’s anti-doping obligations in line with the World Anti-Doping Code.

Speaking at the inauguration, Senator Akume emphasized that the move signifies a shift from mere commitment to concrete action, stating that Nigeria has transitioned from policy to a fully constituted, independent, and law-backed institution. He reminded the board members that their appointment is a call to service, urging them to uphold the law, protect athletes, and preserve the credibility of Nigerian sports through professionalism, independence, and accountability.

The board’s core responsibilities include educating athletes and stakeholders about anti-doping regulations, preventing doping violations, protecting clean athletes, and enforcing anti-doping rules when necessary. Senator Akume urged the board to extend its outreach beyond elite competitions to grassroots sports, schools, community clubs, sports academies, and national federations across the country.

Malam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), echoed these sentiments, describing the inauguration as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s ongoing sports sector transformation. He noted that the country has entered a new era where integrity, accountability, and sustainable development will define national sporting success.

Dr. Dikko further described the NADC as the “internal compass” of Nigeria’s sports ecosystem, tasked with safeguarding clean athletes and promoting integrity at all levels of sport. He urged the board to achieve and maintain full compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code while expanding anti-doping education to school competitions, youth tournaments, national trials, training camps, and sports federations nationwide.

Additionally, the NSC Director-General, Chief Bukola Olapade, assured the federal government and Nigerians that the board would discharge its duties with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the credibility of Nigerian sports. He pledged that members would implement the provisions of the National Anti-Doping Act, 2025, and ensure full compliance with international anti-doping standards.

A key aspiration highlighted during the ceremony was the establishment of a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory in Nigeria. Officials noted that such a facility would significantly reduce testing costs and turnaround times, strengthen Africa’s anti-doping capacity, and generate foreign exchange through regional service delivery.

The inauguration of the NADC’s Technical Board reflects Nigeria’s renewed commitment to clean sports and aligns with broader efforts to combat doping, which has historically tarnished the nation’s international reputation. By establishing a structured, legal framework for anti-doping efforts, the government aims to restore confidence in Nigerian athletics and ensure fair competition for all athletes.