Tinubu asks senate to pass bill prohibiting athletes from doping

President Bola Tinubu has asked the senate to consider and pass a bill seeking to prohibit athletes from consuming substances that will enhance their performance.

Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter read on the floor of the upper legislative chamber by Jibrin Barau, deputy senate president, on Thursday.

The president said the bill would provide a legal framework for the creation of the national anti-doping organisation.

He added that the establishment of the agency is a requirement for Nigeria to achieve compliance with the world anti-doping code.

“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 letter reads.

“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, inclusion of laws of hosting and participating rights at regional, continental and world championships or major athletic events

“It is my hope that this submission will receive the humankind expeditious consideration of the distinguished members of the Senate of Federal Nigeria for passage of the same to law before the Olympic Games seminar in Paris in July 2024.”