President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), a key step to strengthen Nigeria’s standing as a clean sporting nation and meet World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) requirements.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the approval follows nearly 20 years of legislative delays. The Anti-Doping Bill was signed into law last year, and with the board now constituted, Nigeria has been declared compliant with international anti-doping standards.

Dikko briefed the President on the NSC’s 2025 achievements, including nearly 375 medals won across competitions, contributions of 1.2% to GDP, N50 billion in private sector funding, and around 140,000 jobs generated through sports. He emphasized a shift in sports strategy from just medals to economic impact, job creation, and grassroots development.

The NSC has introduced initiatives such as “Invited Junior Athletes” at the National Sports Festival and intermediate competitions for under-18 and under-20 athletes. Dikko also highlighted plans to revive school sports, including NUGA Games and the Principal’s Cup, with federations required to prioritize domestic development for international funding eligibility.

On international matters, Dikko confirmed Nigeria’s petition to FIFA over alleged player eligibility breaches by the Democratic Republic of Congo during the 2026 World Cup playoffs remains under review by FIFA’s independent committees.

He noted ongoing infrastructure development plans and confirmed the timely release of budgeted sports funds as directed by the President. Dikko concluded by presenting a commemorative jersey to Tinubu, praising his unprecedented support for Nigerian sports.