On Thursday, June 6, the Nigerian Senate passed the “National Anti-Doping Bill 2024,” which seeks to prohibit athletes from using performance-enhancing substances during or after sporting competitions.
This legislative move is part of Nigeria’s efforts to align with international anti-doping standards ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in France.
The bill was introduced following a request from President Bola Tinubu, who sent a formal letter to the Senate, read by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin during a recent plenary session.
President Tinubu emphasized that the bill aims to domesticate and enforce the international convention against doping in sports within Nigeria.
Additionally, it seeks to establish a national anti-doping centre to ensure compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and international standards.
The passage of the bill followed the review and approval of the report from the Senate committee on judiciary, human rights, and legal matters. Senator Mohammed Monguno, the committee’s chairman, presented the report during the plenary.
The Senate adopted the committee’s recommendations, and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, put the bill to a voice vote. The bill was approved to be read for a third time, moving it closer to becoming law.
This legislative action underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fair play and integrity in sports, ensuring that its athletes compete on a level playing field internationally.