Tinubu Seeks Senate’s Approval For National Anti-Doping Bill
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted the National Anti-Doping Bill 2024 to the Senate for their approval and subsequent enactment.
In a formal letter addressed to the Senate, President Tinubu emphasized that this bill is crucial in establishing the National Anti-Doping Organisation, an entity responsible for overseeing and regulating sporting competitions.
The Nigerian leader further elaborated that the creation of this agency is imperative for Nigeria to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the World Anti-Doping Code.
The World Anti-Doping Code serves as a fundamental document that unifies anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations across various sports organizations and governmental bodies worldwide.
Tinubu highlighted that this legislation will play a pivotal role in safeguarding Nigeria from facing penalties associated with non-compliance, such as the potential exclusion from hosting or participating in regional, continental, and global championships or major athletic events.
“In accordance with the provisions of section 58 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I forward herewith the National Anti-Doping Bill 2024 for the kind consideration of the Senate.
“The National Anti-Doping Bill 2024 seeks to create an administratively independent National Anti-Doping organization which is a cardinal requirement for Nigeria to achieve compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and the international standard for code compliance by signatures.
“The enactment of this vital legislation will also help Nigeria avoid the imposition of signatory consequences, the inclusion of laws of hosting and participating rights at regional, continental and world championships or major athletic events,” the President added.
The President, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of lawmakers reviewing the bill prior to the Olympic Games seminar set to take place in Paris in July, in order for Nigerians to participate in the competition.
“It is my hope that this submission will receive the humankind expeditious consideration of the distinguished members of the Senate of the Federal Nigeria for passage of the same to law before the Olympic Games seminar in Paris in July 2024.
“Please accept, distinguished president, the assurances of our highest consideration. Regards,” he added.
