Politics
…reaffirms commitment to excellence in sporting activities
THE Federal Government has officially inaugurated the Technical Board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre (NADC), marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to promoting integrity, fairness, and excellence in sports in line with Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Thursday, 2nd July, 2026, in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, described the event as “a defining moment in Nigeria’s sporting history,” noting that the country has moved “from commitment to structure, from policy to action, and from internal management to a fully constituted, independent and law-backed institution.”
The SGF stated that the inauguration follows the enactment of the National Anti-Doping Act, 2025, which established the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre as a statutory body with the legal authority to implement Nigeria’s anti-doping obligations in line with the World Anti-Doping Code.
He acknowledged that Nigeria’s international sporting reputation had, over the years, been challenged by doping violations, stressing that the establishment of the Centre and the inauguration of its Technical Board represent the Federal Government’s decisive response to safeguarding the integrity of Nigerian sports.
Addressing the newly inaugurated board members, the SGF emphasized that their appointment is a call to service rather than ceremony, charging them to uphold the law, protect athletes, and preserve the credibility of Nigerian sports through professionalism, independence, and accountability.
He outlined the Board’s core responsibilities, which include educating athletes and stakeholders, preventing doping violations, protecting clean athletes, and enforcing anti-doping regulations where necessary. He further urged the Board to extend anti-doping education and awareness beyond elite competitions to grassroots sports, schools, community clubs, sports academies, and national sports federations across the country.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, congratulated the newly appointed Board members and pledged sustained legislative support to ensure the successful implementation of Nigeria’s anti-doping programme.
Sen. Ningi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for according unprecedented priority to sports development, noting that the administration’s increased budgetary allocations to the sector demonstrate a clear commitment to repositioning sports as a strategic national asset. Drawing from his long-standing experience in legislative oversight of the sports sector, Senator Ningi said budgetary trends since the current administration assumed office reflect the President’s determination to strengthen sports development across the country.
“I have been involved in sports oversight since 1999, and I can confidently say that the level of attention and funding being accorded the sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is among the most significant we have witnessed. The President deserves commendation for recognising the immense value of sports to national development,” he stated.
In his speech, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has described the inauguration and swearing-in of the Technical Board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre (NADC) as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s ongoing sports sector transformation, declaring that the country has entered a new era where integrity, accountability and sustainable sports development will define national sporting success. He added that the event marks “another decisive step in Nigeria’s sporting rebirth,” driven by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the administration’s vision of repositioning sports as a strategic driver of national development.
Describing doping as a threat to athletes, sports federations and the nation’s international reputation, the NSC Chairman charged the newly inaugurated Technical Board to serve as the “internal compass” of Nigeria’s sports ecosystem by protecting clean athletes and promoting integrity across all levels of sport. He challenged the Board to attain and sustain full compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code while expanding anti-doping education to schools, youth competitions, national trials, training camps and sports federations nationwide.
Mallam Dikko also called for the speedy establishment of a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory in Nigeria, noting 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.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO) Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, described the inauguration and swearing-in of the Technical Board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre (NADC) as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to safeguard the integrity of sports and strengthen the country’s standing in international competitions.
The Permanent Secretary said that the establishment of the Centre demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerian athletes and ensuring compliance with global anti-doping standards. He conveyed the goodwill of the SGF to members of the newly inaugurated Technical Board and all stakeholders, noting that the occasion holds great significance not only for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Federal Government but also for every Nigerian athlete and sports enthusiast.
In his speech, the Director-General of National Sports Commission, Bukola Olapade assured the Federal Government and Nigerians that the newly inaugurated Board will discharge its responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and unwavering commitment to protecting the credibility of Nigerian sports. He pledged that members would justify the confidence reposed on them by diligently implementing the provisions of the National Anti-Doping Act, 2025, and ensuring full compliance with international anti-doping standards.
He acknowledged the critical roles played by the leadership of the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and other stakeholders in bringing the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre to fruition, describing the inauguration as a historic moment for Nigerian sports.
Speaking also, the Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre (NADC), Mainasara Illo, thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, for his unwavering commitment towards sports development, saying his track records in sports development speaks volume of his personality. He also assured him that his management team will ensure that the NADC will carry out its responsibilities in line with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) best practices.
The Technical Board, which is chaired by Alh. Hon. Bar. Rasheed Olarenwaju Kazeem, has the following membership: Justine Chidi Okoroji Jnr. PhD; Dr. Ilbrahim Abubakar Gyaran, MON Pharm. Femi Ayorinde, B.PHARM MPSN,Bar. Ben Okolo; Bar. Mrs. Cynthia N. Aloke; Col. Abbas Mohammed, (Rtd) and Mainasara Illo, as its Executive Secretary/CEO.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Technical Board said that they accept the responsibilities entrusted on them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring that they will not disappoint Nigerians in the discharge of their statutory obligations.
A.I
July 2, 2026
Tags: George Akume NADC President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.