President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), a key step toward strengthening Nigeria’s compliance with international anti-doping regulations and reinforcing its status as a clean sporting nation.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, disclosed this after briefing the President at the State House, Abuja. He explained that the approval follows the signing of the Anti-Doping Bill into law after nearly two decades of delay and satisfies major requirements set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).D
uring the meeting, the NSC presented its 2025 annual report and outlined plans for 2026. Dikko also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s petition before FIFA over alleged eligibility breaches by the Democratic Republic of Congo during the 2026 World Cup qualification playoffs, noting the case is before FIFA’s disciplinary bodies.
He added that the Commission is shifting focus beyond medal wins to economic impact. According to him, Nigeria won about 375 medals in 2025, attracted roughly ₦50 billion in private investment and generated about 140,000 jobs within the sports sector, while sports contributed approximately 1.2 per cent to GDP in the third quarter of the year.
The NSC further highlighted ongoing plans for nationwide sports infrastructure development, grassroots athlete programmes and the revival of school competitions in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Dikko commended the President’s support, particularly directives for the timely release of sports funds, and presented a commemorative jersey in appreciation.
