The Nigerian Senate on Thursday passed a the Anti-doping Bill to prohibit Nigerian athletes from consuming substances that enhance performance during or after competitions.
This was announced in the plenary presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin.
According to reports, the Bill was passed after majority of the Senators approved its passage through voice votes.
The upper chamber passed the bill after considering the report of its Committees on Sports Development and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.
The bill was considered and approved by the Committee of the Whole.
The Chairperson of the Sports Development Committee, Kawu Sumaila presented the report to the Committee of the Whole that approved it.
Recall the Bill is assented to by President Bola Tinubu, Nigerian athletes will be prohibited from consuming performance substances at any games.
This is coming on the heels of the Olympic Games scheduled to be held in Paris in July, 2024.
By its adoption, Nigerian athletes will be prohibited from consuming substances during or after any sporting events.
Nigerian athletes will, henceforth, comply with the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Code for any games.
The World Anti-Doping Code (Code) is the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies. It also guides the rules and regulations within sports organizations and among public authorities around the world.
Recall that in May 2024, President Tinubu forwarded the Bill to the Senate for consideration. This is to allow Nigeria to avoid the imposition of signatory consequences/
The Bill avoid Nigeria the right of inclusion of laws of hosting and participating rights at regional, continental and world championships or major athletic events.
Senator Sumaila who presented the report stated that the Committees had critically considered the Bill.
He, therefore, maintained that the Bill will develop the Nigerian sporting sector, if passed and assented to.
Sumaila, while recommending the Bill, urged his colleagues to support its passage.
The Bill was, however, supported by the APC Senator from Borno North, Tahir Monguno.
Supporting the Bill, Monguno said it will contribute to the development of sporting competitions in the country.
After the debts, the Senators voted in support of the reading of the Bill for the third time. This is after the Deputy Senate President put it to vote.
source: Premium Times
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