FG Inaugurates Technical Board of Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre, Reaffirms Commitment to Excellence in Sporting Activities
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Technical Board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre, (NADC), to enforce the National Anti-Doping Act, 2025, in a move it said reaffirms its commitment to integrity and excellence in sporting activities.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume inaugurated the Board in Abuja on Thursday, describing the event as “a defining moment in Nigeria’s sporting history.”
According to Sen Akume, 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.”
He noted that Nigeria’s international reputation had been challenged by doping violations, and the Centre’s establishment represents FG’s decisive response to safeguard the integrity of Nigerian sports.
“The Board’s appointment is a call to service, not ceremony,” the SGF said. He charged members to uphold the law, protect clean athletes, and preserve credibility through professionalism, independence, and accountability.
Sen Akume listed the Board’s core responsibilities to include educating athletes and stakeholders, preventing violations, enforcing regulations, and extending anti-doping awareness to grassroots sports, schools, academies, and federations nationwide.
In a statement, Chris Ugwuegbulam, Head of Information & Public Relations, OSGF, disclosed that the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, (GSO), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, highlighted that the Centre’s establishment demonstrates FG’s commitment to protecting athletes and ensuring compliance with global anti-doping standards.
He described the inauguration as significant for every Nigerian athlete and sports enthusiast.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports Development, Sen. Abdul Ahmed Ningi, pledged sustained legislative support and commended President Bola Tinubu for according priority to sports through increased budgetary allocations since 2023.
National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the inauguration as “a landmark achievement” in sports transformation and urged the Board to attain full WADA compliance and called for a WADA-accredited laboratory in Nigeria to reduce costs and strengthen Africa’s capacity.
NSC Director-General, Bukola Olapade,, on his part, assured that the Board will discharge its duties with integrity in line with the Act, 2025.
NADC Chief Executive Officer, Mainasara Illo, added that the Centre will operate according to WADA best practices.
The Board is chaired by Alh. Hon. Bar. Rasheed Olarenwaju Kazeem. Other members are Dr. Justine Chidi Okoroji Jnr., Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Gyaran, Pharm. Femi Ayorinde, Bar. Ben Okolo, Bar. Mrs. Cynthia N. Aloke, Col. Abbas Mohammed (Rtd), and Illo as Executive Secretary/CEO.
