The Nigerian Senate has passed the “National Anti-Doping Bill 2024,” a significant step towards prohibiting the use of performance-enhancing substances by athletes during or after competitions. The bill was approved on Thursday, June 6, during a plenary session presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
This legislative move follows a request from President Bola Tinubu, who urged the Senate to enact the law to align with international anti-doping standards ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in France. The president’s letter, read on the Senate floor by Jibrin, highlighted the necessity of domestifying and enforcing the international convention against doping in sports within Nigeria.
The bill aims to establish the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre, which will ensure compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and uphold international standards. The passage of the bill came after the Senate committee on judiciary, human rights, and legal matters presented its report, which was delivered by the committee’s chairman, Senator Mohammed Monguno.
Following the committee’s recommendations, the Senate unanimously adopted the bill for a third reading through a voice vote, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to maintain the integrity of its sports.
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