Nigeria strengthens sports integrity with strict anti-doping rules and age verification to ensure fair competition and global recognition

The Federal Government has reinforced its commitment to protecting Nigerian sports by enforcing rigorous age verification and anti-doping measures, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, announced on Monday.

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Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) in Abuja, Dikko affirmed that violations related to age falsification and doping would no longer be tolerated.

“Everything required to make Nigeria a clean country in sports has been done,” Dikko said, highlighting the recent signing of the Anti-Doping Bill and clearance from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

He added that Nigeria had resolved prior issues that took the nation to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and is now recognised globally as a clean sporting nation.

Dikko revealed that a fully operational Anti-Doping Agency will soon be established, with funds already allocated in the national budget for a state-of-the-art anti-doping laboratory.

On age verification, the NSC has created an Integrity Unit to investigate and sanction breaches, emphasising the importance of accurate records across federations.

NOC President Habu Gumel described the AGM as a statutory platform to review activities and funding, noting that 54 national teams participated in international competitions in 2025, with only four returning without medals.

Gumel also highlighted ongoing reforms, including the Elite Athlete Development Board, plans for a Diaspora Athletes Board by 2026, and institutionalised mechanisms for integrity and dispute resolution in sports.

He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising sports funding in the national budget and consolidating allocations into a central sports development pool, ensuring predictable support for Commonwealth and Olympic Games preparations, elite athlete programmes, and welfare for retired athletes.

The Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said the improved medal haul reflects strategic planning, partnerships with federations, and a deliberate focus on podium performances rather than mere participation.

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The AGM was attended by officials of international sports federations, representatives from the Association of National Olympic and Committees of Africa, and presidents of national sports federations.