In a significant boost for sports integrity in Nigeria, the Nigerian Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent signing of the Anti-Doping Bill into law. Mr. Uche Odozor, the president of the NBSA, voiced profound gratitude for the legislative milestone, highlighting its vital role in promoting fairness and transparency in sports.
Odozor also expressed his gratitude to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, for championing the passage of the Anti-Doping Act. He highlighted the importance of this Act in promoting fairplay and integrity in sports, deterring the use of performance-enhancing substances and protecting the health of athletes.
Odozor further commended Dikko for his unwavering support and belief that Nigeria can become an anti-doping hub on the continent and globally, in line with the RHINSE framework.
“This vision aligns with the President’s approval in 2025, a testament to the collective efforts made to ensure a clean and ethical sports environment in Nigeria.
“The Anti-Doping Bill, now law, represents a concerted effort by the Nigerian government to combat the pervasive issue of performance-enhancing drugs within sports.
“This landmark legislation is a significant step toward upholding the integrity of our athletes and restoring public confidence in our sporting institutions,” Odozor stated in a press conference held in Abuja.
The NBSA has long advocated for stringent measures against doping, recognizing the detrimental impact it has on athletes, competition fairness, and the country’s international reputation. Odozor emphasized that the new law would not only hold athletes accountable but also educate them about the dangers of doping.
As part of the implementation of the law, the government is expected to establish stringent testing protocols and collaborative efforts with international sports organizations to ensure compliance and foster awareness about the consequences of doping.
Odozor urged athletes at all levels to remain vigilant and proactive in advocating for clean sport practices.
