Nigeria Inaugurates Technical Board of Anti-Doping Centre
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Technical Board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre (NADC), marking a historic milestone in the nation’s commitment to integrity, fairness, and excellence in sports under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator 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 inauguration follows the enactment of the National Anti-Doping Act, 2025, which established the NADC as a statutory body with the legal authority to implement Nigeria’s anti-doping obligations in line with the World Anti-Doping Code.
Akume emphasized that the Board’s mandate is a call to service, charging members to uphold professionalism, independence, and accountability while extending anti-doping education from elite competitions to grassroots sports, schools, and community clubs nationwide.
Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, pledged legislative support and commended President Tinubu for prioritizing sports development through increased budgetary allocations.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, hailed the inauguration as a landmark achievement, urging the Board to ensure full compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and calling for the establishment of a WADA-accredited laboratory in Nigeria to strengthen Africa’s anti-doping capacity.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana described the inauguration as a significant milestone in safeguarding the integrity of Nigerian sports, while NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade assured that the Board would discharge its responsibilities with integrity and professionalism.
Executive Secretary/CEO of NADC, Mainasara Illo, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and pledged adherence to WADA best practices.
The Technical Board, chaired by Alhaji Hon. Bar. Rasheed Olarenwaju Kazeem, includes Justine Chidi Okoroji Jnr. PhD, Dr. Ilbrahim Abubakar Gyaran, Pharm. Femi Ayorinde, Bar. Ben Okolo, Bar. Mrs. Cynthia N. Aloke, Col. Abbas Mohammed (Rtd), and Illo as Executive Secretary.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Kazeem assured Nigerians that the Board would not disappoint in fulfilling its statutory obligations, reinforcing the country’s determination to protect clean athletes and preserve the credibility of Nigerian sports.
