The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for inaugurating the technical board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre (NADC), describing the development as a landmark achievement that will strengthen integrity, transparency and Nigeria’s credibility in global sports.
Omidiran said the inauguration of the Board in Abuja on Thursday, following the enactment of the National Anti-Doping Act, 2025, demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting clean sports, protecting athletes and aligning Nigeria’s anti-doping framework with international standards under the World Anti-Doping Code.
The former member of the House of Representatives stated this in a statement issued on Friday by the spokesperson of the Federal Character Commission, Ademola Lawrence. Blueprint reports
Milestone for Nigerian sports
According to Omidiran, the establishment of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre represents a major institutional reform that will reposition the country’s sports administration and restore confidence among athletes, sporting federations and international organisations.
She said the Centre will serve as a critical mechanism for ensuring that Nigerian athletes compete on a level playing field while safeguarding the country’s image in international competitions.
“The inauguration of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre Technical Board is a landmark achievement for Nigerian sports. It reflects the Federal Government’s determination to protect clean athletes, uphold integrity in competition and restore greater confidence in Nigeria’s sporting system both nationally and internationally,” she said.
Protecting the integrity of sports
She noted that the initiative is consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, which places emphasis on strengthening public institutions, promoting accountability and improving Nigeria’s global competitiveness across various sectors.
Omidiran stressed that sports have continued to serve as a powerful platform for national unity, youth empowerment, economic development and international diplomacy.
She, however, warned that the credibility of sporting competitions can only be sustained through strict adherence to anti-doping regulations and ethical standards.
According to her, the inauguration of the Technical Board marks the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s fight against the use of prohibited substances in sports.
She expressed confidence that the Board would implement policies that encourage fair competition while ensuring that athletes are adequately educated on anti-doping rules and their responsibilities under international sporting regulations.
Commitment to transparency
She added that strengthening anti-doping institutions would not only protect clean athletes but also improve Nigeria’s reputation before global sports governing bodies.
The FCC boss reiterated the Federal Character Commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen public institutions and promote transparency in governance.
She said credible institutions remain the foundation for sustainable national development and commended the Federal Government for taking practical steps to improve governance within the sports sector.
According to her, the establishment of the statutory anti-doping institution demonstrates the government’s resolve to ensure that Nigerian athletes compete with honour while protecting the country’s long-standing sporting legacy.
She added that the initiative would also enhance investor confidence in Nigeria’s sports industry by promoting fairness, professionalism and accountability.
Commends Akume, National Assembly, NSC
Omidiran also applauded the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the National Assembly, the National Sports Commission and other stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the successful establishment of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre.
She described the enactment of the National Anti-Doping Act, 2025, as a significant legislative milestone that provides the legal framework for the country’s anti-doping programme in line with global best practices.
According to her, the collaboration among government institutions reflects a shared commitment to improving sports governance and protecting the future of Nigerian athletes.
Charge to board members
Congratulating the Chairman and members of the newly inaugurated Technical Board, Omidiran urged them to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, independence, transparency and fairness.
She advised the Board to ensure strict compliance with international anti-doping regulations while promoting education, awareness and preventive measures across all levels of sports development.
“I congratulate the Chairman and members of the Technical Board on their well deserved appointments and urge them to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, independence and fairness. Their success will not only protect the future of our athletes but also strengthen Nigeria’s standing within the global sporting community,” she stated.
She further expressed optimism that the Board would establish a culture of integrity and clean competition capable of inspiring confidence among athletes, coaches, sports administrators and international partners.
Aligning with global standards
The inauguration of the Technical Board comes at a time Nigeria is seeking to strengthen its compliance with international anti-doping requirements and avoid sanctions that could affect the participation of its athletes in major continental and global sporting events.
Sports analysts believe the establishment of the Centre will improve testing procedures, anti-doping education, research and enforcement while enhancing Nigeria’s standing within the global sports community.
With the Technical Board now in place, stakeholders expect the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre to play a central role in promoting fair play, protecting athletes’ welfare and ensuring that the country continues to compete credibly at international competitions.
The initiative is also believe to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to ethical sports administration and position the country as a responsible member of the global sporting community.