The Senate has approved the National Anti-Doping Bill, designed to align Nigeria with international anti-doping standards as outlined by UNESCO and the World Anti-Doping Code.
This marks the bill’s third successful passage in the Upper House, following a comprehensive report presented by Senator Kawu Abdulrahman, head of the Committees on Sports Development and Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters.
The legislation aims to establish a National Anti-Doping Centre, ensuring compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code.
This foundational document standardizes anti-doping policies, ensuring uniformity across sports organizations and public authorities, thereby creating a level playing field for all athletes.
Initially read for the second time in May, the executive bill has now completed its third reading.
Last month, President Bola Tinubu urged the Senate to expedite its review and approval, highlighting its importance in preventing the use of performance-enhancing substances by athletes.
The President expressed hope that the Senate would pass the bill into law before the upcoming Olympic Games seminar in Paris in July 2024, ensuring Nigeria’s full compliance with international standards.
