NIGERIA ANTI-DOPING ACT, 2025

The objectives of this Act are to -
a domesticate the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, establish an independent body charged with the responsibility for the implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code (in this Act referred to as "the Code"), and International Standards subscribed to by Nigeria;
b protect the right of an athlete to participate in doping-free sporting activities;
c promote fair and equal treatment of all athletes and their health;
d co-ordinate and harmonise effective sports anti-doping programme at the national and international levels, with regard to detection, deterrence and prevention of doping; and
e provide measures for the prevention and control of doping in sports.

1 This Act shall apply to -
a Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre established under this Act;
b national sport federations in Nigeria; and
c a person, athlete and athlete support personnel, including a protected person, as defined in the Code, who is a Nigerian or resides in Nigeria, and who -

(i) is a member or licensee of any of the national sports federations in Nigeria or any of its affiliate organisations, including clubs, teams, associations or leagues,

(ii) participates, in any capacity, in any sporting event, competition or any other activity organised, convened, authorised or recognised by any of the national sports federations in Nigeria or any of its affiliate organisations, including clubs, teams associations or leagues. wherever it is held,

(iii) by virtue of an accreditation, license or contractual arrangement or otherwise, is subject to the jurisdiction of the national sports federations in Nigeria or any of its affiliate organisations, including clubs, teams, associations or leagues, for purposes of anti-doping.

(iv) participates, in any capacity, in any activity organised by an organiser of a national event or national league that is not affiliated to a national sports federation; or

(v) is subject to the application of the Code, International Standards or any Anti-Doping Rules and is present in Nigeria to compete, train or perform other sporting activities.

2 A person, including a national sports federation, within the application of the Convention is deemed to have accepted to be bound by the Code and Anti-Doping Rules made under this Act, and shall submit to the -
a authority of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre to enforce the Code and Anti-Doping Rules; and
b jurisdiction of the Disciplinary Panel or Appeal Tribunal established under this Act, to hear and determine cases and appeals brought before the Panel or Tribunal in accordance with the Anti-Doping Rules, as a condition of membership, accreditation or participation in the chosen sport.

As from the commencement of this Act, the provisions of the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, which was done at Paris on the 19 October, 2005 and signed and by Nigeria on the 29 December, 2005 (in this Act referred to as "the Convention"), shall -
a have the force of law in Nigeria;
b be given full recognition and effect; and
c be applied by all authorities and persons exercising legislative, executive and Judicial powers.

Where there is any reservation or notification to the Convention or any of its protocol made before or after the commencement of this Act, the reservation or notification shall be taken into consideration in the application and enforcement of this Act.

1 There is established in Nigeria. a Centre known as Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre (in this Act referred to as "the Centre").

2 The Centre -
a shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal;
b may sue and be sued in its corporate name; and
c may acquire, hold or dispose of any movable or immovable property and enter into a contract or any other transaction for the purpose of its functions under this Act.

3 The Centre and any committee established under it shall be independent in its operational decisions and activities from sports authorities and government, including any person who is at the same time involved in the management or operations of any national or international sports federations, major event organisation, National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, or Ministry or other government departments with responsibility for sports or anti-doping.

1 The functions of the Centre are to -
a develop and implement internal policies, Anti-Doping Rules, systems and procedures against doping in sports;
b plan, implement, promote and monitor programmes aimed at educating athletes and their parents or guardians, athlete support personnel, the media and the general public on doping in sports;
c take measures to prevent doping in sporting activities;
d establish a National Registered Testing Pool (RTP) of national-level athletes;
e co-ordinate doping tests, collect test samples and manage test results in keeping with the International Standards;
f test any athlete in Nigeria participating in any sporting activity;
g carry out investigations into anti-doping rule violations in respect of any athlete, athlete support personnel and any other related person;
h notify any tested athlete and relevant anti-doping organisations of the result of tests and investigations conducted under this Act;
i enforce the Code, International Standards and regulations made under this Act;
j provide direction for anti-doping programme of the authority in charge of sporting activities;
k implement the Convention, its protocols ratified by Nigeria and rules made under the Convention and its protocols;
l do all things necessary to ensure its compliance with the implementation of the Code, International Standards and the Anti-Doping Rules; and
m perform such other functions as necessary or expedient for the implementation of this Act or the Code.

2 The Centre shall, in the performance of its functions under this Act -
a be operationally independent as required by the Code, impartial, fair and act in the public interest; and
b develop appropriate procedures to -

(i) reflect the needs of athletes and protected persons,

(ii) accommodate the challenges of persons with disabilities or other special concerns of athletes,

(iii) accommodate gender sensitivity, and

(iv) protect athletes' right to privacy.

The Centre shall have power to -
a formulate and implement guidelines made under this Act:
b test any athlete participating in any sporting activity in Nigeria or representing Nigeria in any sporting activity as provided for in the Code;
c establish a Registered Testing Pool for national-level athletes;
d enter into reciprocal testing agreements with anti-doping organisations on behalf of Nigeria;
e liaise and collaborate with relevant establishments within and outside Nigeria in the implementation of its functions under this Act; and
f exercise such other powers as may be necessary to give effect to the provisions of this Act.

1 There is established for the Centre, a Technical Board (in this Act referred to as "the Board").

2 The Chairman of the Board and other members shall be appointed by the President on recommendation of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

3 The Board shall consist of -
a the Chairman, with at least 12 years' experience in anti-doping and sports matters;
b a legal practitioner with post call experience of at least 10 years:
c a representative of the Authority in charge of sports;
d a retired athlete; and
e three other members of at least 10 years post qualification experience, appointed by virtue of their knowledge and experience in anti-doping or sports matters.

4 A person shall not be appointed as a member of the Board, where the person -
a is a member of or an official in a national sports federation, sports organisation or sports club;
b is associated in any way with any person who supplies goods or services to the Centre;
c is a practicing athlete or athlete support personnel;
d has been convicted or served a sentence of imprisonment for any offence;
e has served a sanction for an anti-doping rule violation within the previous five years or is serving life ban; or
f is bankrupt or insolvent.

5 The supplementary provisions set out in the Schedule to this Act shall have effect with respect to the proceedings of the Board and the other matters in the Schedule.
[Schedule]

A member of the Board shall hold office -
a for a term of four years on a part time basis in the first instance and may be eligible for re-appointment on satisfactory performance for a further term of four years and no more; and
b on such other terms and conditions as may be specified in the letter of appointment.

A member of the Board shall be paid such honorarium, allowances and benefits, as the Federal Government may approve.

A member of the Board shall cease to hold office where -
a the term of office expires;
b he member resigns from office by a notice in writing to the President;
c in case of an ex-officio member, he ceases to hold the office on the basis of which he became a member;
d the member is removed from office;
e the member dies; or
f becomes ineligible under Section 8(4) of this Act.

A person shall be removed as a member of the Board where -
a the person -

(i) becomes bankrupt or makes a compromise with his creditors,

(ii) is convicted of a felony or any offence involving dishonesty or fraud,

(iii) becomes of unsound mind or is incapable of discharging his duties,

(iv) is guilty of serious misconduct in relation to his duties,

(v) possesses professional qualification and he is disqualified or suspended from practicing his profession in Nigeria by an order of a competent authority, and

(vi) becomes Ineligible under Section 8 (4) of this Act: or
b the President is satisfied that it is not in the interest of the Centre or of the public for the person appointed to continue in office.

Where a vacancy occurs in the membership of the Board due to the operation of the Provisions of Sections 11 and 12, or any other provision of this Act, the President vacancies shall appoint a successor on the recommendation of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who shall represent the same interest for the remainder of the term of office of the predecessor.

1 The Board shall -
a formulate and provide general policy and strategic direction for the Centre:
b advise the Authority in charge of sports on any matter relating to doping in sports;
c ensure that the Executive Secretary, officers and employees of the Centre comply with the Anti-Doping Rules, the Code and International Standards on anti-doping;
d approve Anti-Doping Rules developed by the Centre;
e monitor and ensure the implementation of the policies and programmes of the Centre; and
f perform such other functions as may be necessary and expedient to give effect to the provisions of this Act.

2 The Board shall have power to -
a approve policies, ensure compliance with the Code, International Standards, rules, regulations and procedures relating to the functions of the Centre;
b monitor and ensure the implementation of the policies and programmes of the Centre;
c in addition, to the provisions of the Schedule to this Act, regulate its proceedings and male standing orders with respect to the holding of its meetings, notices to be given, the keeping of minutes of its proceedings and such other matters as it may determine; and
[Schedule]
d exercise such other power as may be necessary to give effect to the provisions of this Act.

1 There shall be for the Centre an Executive Secretary who shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, subject to the confirmation of the Senate.

2 The Executive Secretary shall be the accounting officer of the Centre and shall be responsible for the -
a day-to-day administration of the Centre;
b direction, supervision and control of employees of the Centre;
c performance of the functions of the Centre and the attainment of its goals; and
d execution of the policies and decisions of the Board.

3 The Executive Secretary shall, in addition to relevant professional qualification, possess relevant working, management and anti-doping experience of at least 15 years.

4 The Executive Secretary shall be the Secretary to the Board and in this regard shall -
a keep and secure corporate records of the Board and the Centre;
b provide secretariat for the meetings of the Board;
c be in custody of and exercise control over the seal of the Centre; and
d discharge such other duties as the Board may direct.

5 A person shall not be appointed as Executive Secretary where the person -
a is a member or official of a sports organization, sports club or Sports Federation;
b is associated in any way with any person who supplies goods or services to the Centre or whose spouse or family member is so associated.
c is a practicing athlete or athlete support personnel: or
d has served a Sanction for the violation of Anti-Doping Rules within the previous 10 years or is serving a life ban.

6 The Executive Secretary shall hold office for a term of four years in the first instance, and may be eligible for re-appointment on satisfactory performance for a further term of four years and no more.

1 A person appointed as the Executive Secretary may be removed from office by the President where the person -
a becomes of unsound mind or is incapable of performing the functions of the office, whether arising from infirmity of body, mind or any other Cause;
b is convicted of a felony or any offence involving dishonesty or fraud;
c is disqualified or suspended by an order of a competent authority from practicing the profession on the basis of which the person was appointed;
d engages in acts that are prejudicial to the interest of the Centre or in conflict with the duties of the office;
e becomes bankrupt; or
f is guilty of serious misconduct in relation to the duties of the office.

2 The Executive Secretary may resign from the appointment by giving at least one month's notice of intention to resign in writing to the President through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

1 The Centre may appoint such competent professional, technical officers and administrative support employees, as may be necessary for the proper and efficient performance of its functions under this Act.

2 Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), the Centre may appoint an employee either directly or on secondment from the Public Service of the Federation to assist the Centre in the performance of any of its functions under this Act.

3 The terms and conditions of service, including remuneration allowances and benefits of the employees of the Centre shall be as determined by the Board, in consultation with the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, subject to relevant extant laws.

4 The employment, promotion and discipline of employees of the Centre shall be subject to such terms and conditions, as contained in the letters of appointment and prescribed under the Public Service Rules.

1 Service in the Centre shall be Public Service within the meaning of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

2 Service in the Centre shall be an approved service under the Pension Reform Act, and an employee of the Centre shall, in respect of the service, be entitled to pension and other retirement benefits as prescribed in the Pension Reform Act.
[Cap. C23, LFN, 2004]
[Act No. 4, 2014 ]

3 Nothing in this Act shall prevent the appointment of a person to an office on terms which preclude the grant of pension and other retirement benefits in respect of that office.

4 For the purpose of the application of the provisions of the Pension Reform Act, any power exercisable by a Minister or other authority of the Government of the Federation, not being the power to make regulations, is vested in and shall be exercisable by the Board.
[Act No. 4, 2014]

The Centre, with the approval of the Board, may create additional departments or units as are necessary for the effective and efficient operation and management of the Centre.

1 There is established for the purposes of this Act, an Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (in this Act referred to as "the Panel"), which shall comply with the operational independence requirements prescribed in the Code.

2 The Panel shall comprise of membership as contained in the Anti-Doping Rules.

3 Members shall be appointed taking into consideration their requisite anti-doping experience including legal, sports, medical or scientific expertise, with at least 10 years post qualification experience.

4 The Panel shall -
a receive and examine evidence relating to violations of the Anti-Doping Rules;
b conduct disciplinary hearings relating to violations of the Anti-Doping Rule referred to it by the Centre in accordance with the Code and relevant International Standards;
c determine whether any violation of the Anti-Doping Rules has occurred;
d impose appropriate sanctions, in accordance with the Anti-Doping Rules; and
e perform any other function as may be conferred on it by this Act, the Code, International Standards, rules or any regulations made under this Act.

5 Appeals against the decision of the Panel shall lie to the Anti-Doping Appeal Tribunal established under this Act.

Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Panel may make rules to regulate its proceedings.

1 There is established for the purposes of this Act, the Anti-Doping Appeal Tribunal Establishment of (in this Act referred to as "the Tribunal"), which shall comply with the operational and institutional independence requirements prescribed in the Code

2 The Tribunal shall comprise membership as contained in the Anti-Doping Rules.

3 The Tribunal shall receive and determine appeals arising from the decisions of the Panel.

1 A person who is dissatisfied with the decision of the Panel, may appeal to the Tribunal in accordance with the provisions of the Anti-Doping Rules.

2 A person to whom subsection (1) applies may include -
a an athlete or a person, who is the subject of the decision being appealed;
b the organisation or the National Anti-Doping Organisation of the person's country of residence or the country where the person is a national or license holder;
c relevant national sports federation or international sports federation;
d International Olympic Committee or the International Paralympic Committee;
e the Nigeria Olympic Committee or the Nigeria Paralympic Committee; or
f World Anti-Doping Agency.

3 Subject to the relevant Articles of the Code, appeals against the decision of the Tribunal shall lie to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Tribunal may make rules to regulate its proceedings.

The Centre shall establish and maintain a Fund (in this Act referred to as "the Fund") into which shall be paid -
a take off grants by the Federal Government;
b subventions and budgetary allocation from the Federal Government;
c sums provided by a State Government for payment into the Fund;
d fees charged for services rendered by the Centre;
e all sums accruing to the Centre by way of gifts, testamentary dispositions, endowments or contributions from philanthropic persons or organisations;
f foreign aid or assistance from bilateral and multilateral agencies; and
g any other source of fund as may accrue to the Centre.

The Centre shall apply the Fund under this Act to -
a meet the administrative and operating costs of the Centre;
b pay for the salaries. wages, fees, allowances, retirement benefits, and any other remuneration payable as appropriate to members of staff or agents of the Centre;
c purchase or acquire property and make other approved capital expenditure, and to maintain any property acquired or purchased by the Centre;
d pay for other overhead allowances and benefits. charges and expenses of the Centre; and
e perform any other activity in connection with any of the functions of the Centre or objectives of this Act.

1 The Centre shall, not later than 30 September of each financial year or any such time as may be required under the Financial Regulations, prepare and submit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, an estimate or its income and expenditure for the next financial year, for consideration and submission to the National Assembly.

2 otwithstanding the provisions of subsection (I), the Centre may, in a financial year, submit supplementary or adjusted statements of estimated income and expenditure through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to the National Assembly.

1 The Centre shall keep proper accounts in respect of each year and proper records in relation to those accounts and shall cause its accounts to be audited.

2 The accounts of the Centre shall be audited not later than six months after the end of the year to which it relates by auditors appointed by the Centre from the list and in accordance with the guidelines by the Auditor-General for the Federation.

1 The Centre shall prepare and submit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, not later than 30 June in each year, a report on the activities of the Centre during the immediate preceding year.

2 The report referred to in subsection (1) shall include -
a information on the activities of the Centre under review;
b a copy of the audited accounts of the Centre for the year together with the Auditor-General's report on the accounts of the Centre; and
c such other information as the Board may request.

3 The Executive Secretary shall provide such information on the affairs of the Centre as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation may request.

The Centre may accept gifts of land, money or other property on such terms and conditions as may be specified by the person or organisation making the gift, provided that the terms and conditions attached are consistent with the functions and objectives of the Centre under this Act.

The financial year of the Centre shall commence from 1 January of each year and end on 31 December of the same year.

1 The Centre may make Anti-Doping Rules which shall be in accordance with the Code, to provide for -
a initiating. implementing or enforcing doping control;
b collection and analysis of samples;
c results management;
d therapeutic use exemptions;
e definition of anti-doping rule violations;
f collection and dissemination of information;
g conducting investigations
h conducting hearing;
i proof of doping;
j application and implementation of decisions;
k confidentiality and reporting;
l punishment for anti-doping rule violations;
m the assessment of costs in disciplinary hearings;
n roles and responsibilities of athletes and other persons; and
o any other process, procedure or requirement to give effect to the provisions of this Act and the Code.

2 The Centre shall gazette and publish the Anti-Doping Rules.

3 Where expressions defined for the purposes of this Act or used in the Code are in the Anti-Doping Rules or in any other regulations made under this Act, including the International Standards. the expressions shall have the same meaning assigned to it in the Code or the International Standards, as applicable.

4 The Anti-Doping Rules shall be made under the applicable provisions of the Code or International Standards, as applicable, and interpreted in a manner that is consistent with applicable provisions of the Code and this Act, and in the event of a discrepancy between the Code or International Standards and this Act, the Code or International Standards shall prevail.

5 All comments explaining various provisions of the Code may, where applicable, assist in the understanding and interpretation of the Anti-Doping Rules.

6 The Anti-Doping Rules shall apply to all persons and national sports federation as provided in section 2 of this Act.

1 A person, or organisation who -
a disobeys a summon by the Centre,
b ails to comply with a lawful order or direction of the Centre,
c presents to the Centre a false document or makes a false statement with the intention to deceive or mislead an investigation,
d intentionally hinders any person acting in the performance of any function or exercise of powers conferred by this Act
e in any way interferes with the functioning or operations of the Centre; or
f violates the guidelines relating to confidentiality, public disclosure and privacy,

commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of three months or both.

2 A person or organisation who -
a unlawfully transports or transfers prohibited substances or prohibited methods,
b buys, sells, stocks or transports substances in an unlawful manner, or
c administers, attempts to administer or causes an athlete to use prohibited substances or methods, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N1,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of three years or both.

3 A medical practitioner or any other health related professional who -
a prescribes or dispenses prohibited substances or methods to an athlete with the intent of doping and without a therapeutic use exemption.
b unlawfully administers prohibited substances or methods to an athlete without a therapeutic use exemption, or
c aids, abets or in any way encourages the unlawful use of prohibited substance or prohibited method in sport,

commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment foe a term of one year or both, and may have his professional license revoked for a period of at least one year.

4 A body corporate which commits an offence under this section shall, in addition to the fine -
a be liable to be de-registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission;
b be prohibited from reconstitution or incorporation under any form or guise; and
c have its directors liable to prosecution.

5 The imposition of any penalty provided for in this section shall not have any impact on the application of consequences provided for in the Code and Anti-Doping Rules for any anti-doping rule violation and shall not be considered as a justification to reduce or not impose any sanction provided for in the Code and Anti-Doping Rules.

1 Subject to the provisions of this Act, the provisions of the Public Officers Protection Act shall apply to any suit instituted against the Centre, an officer or employee of the Centre.
[Cap. P41, LFN, 2004 ]

2 A suit shall not lie or be instituted in any court against the Centre, a member of the Board or any principal officer or employee of the Centre for an action carried out under the execution of this Act, any enactment or of any public duty in respect of any alleged neglect or default in the execution of this Act, any other enactment or law, duty or authority, unless it is commenced -
a within three months of such act, neglect or default complained of; or
b in the case of a continuation of damages or injury, within six months after the cessation of the act, neglect or default.

3 A suit shall not be commenced against the Centre, any principal officer or employee of the Centre before the expiration of a period of one month after written notice of the intention to commence the suit has been served on the Centre by the intending plaintiff or the plaintiffs agent.

4 The notice referred to in subsection (3) shall clearly state the cause of action, particulars of the claim, the name and place of abode of the intending plaintiff and the relief sought.

1 A notice, summons or other document required or authorized to be served on the Centre under the provisions of this Act or any other law may be served by delivering it to the Executive Secretary or by sending it by registered post and addressed to the Executive Secretary at the principal office of the Centre.

1 In any action against the Centre, no execution or attachment process in any nature shall be issued against the Centre -
a without the consent of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; and
b unless at least three months' notice of the intention to execute or attach has been given to the Centre.

2 Any sums of money which by the judgment of any court is awarded against the Centre shall, subject to any direction given by the court where notice of appeal against the judgment has not been given, be paid from the Fund of the Centre established under Part VII of this Act.

The Executive Secretary a member of the Board or any officer or employee of the Centre shall be indemnified out of the assets of the Centre against any liability incurred in defending any proceeding, whether civil or criminal, where the -
a proceeding is brought against him in his capacity as Executive Secretary, member of the Board, officer or employee of the Centre; and
b act complained of is not ultra vires his powers.

1 Every -
a member of the Board,
b officer, employee and agent of the Centre,
c expert or professional retained by the Centre to assist in its investigations and deliberations, and
d person having to perform a duty or is engaged in the administration of this Act, the Anti-Doping Rules or and other regulations made under this Act.

shall have regard and deal with all matters within their knowledge in the course of discharging their duties as secret and confidential, subject to the provisions of this Act.

2 Except as provided in the Anti-Doping Rules or any other regulations made under this Act, every member of the Panel and the Tribunal shall have regard and deal with information, books, records or other document coming to his knowledge in the performance of his functions as confidential.

3 A member of the Panel or the Tribunal shall not serve on any hearing where there is a conflict of interest or personal interest in the outcome of the decision.

4 A person who was previously engaged for an official duty under this Act, the Anti-Doping Rules or any regulations made under this Act, shall maintain, after the termination of such duty, the secrecy and confidentiality of all information, books, records or other documents relating to the functions of the Centre.

5 A person to whom information is communicated under this Act, the Anti-Doping Rules or any regulations made under this Act, shall have regard and deal with such information as secret and confidential, save as and to the extent otherwise provided in this Act or any other law.

6 A person referred to under subsections (1) -(5), having possession of or control over any information, book, record or other document, who at any time communicates or attempts to communicate any of the information or anything contained in such book, record or document to a person, other than -
a an investigative authority, in accordance with applicable law, or
b under a court order,

commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction by a Magistrate Court to a fine not exceeding N500,000.

7 Obligation as to secrecy or other restriction on the disclosure of information imposed by any law or otherwise, shall not prevent the Centre or its officers, who are duly authorised, from disclosing information to any anti-doping organisation.

1 the seal of the Centre shall be administered and signed by the Executive Secretary and the legal Adviser of the Centre or any person delegated in such capacity to do so.

2 A contract or instrument which if made or executed by a person not being a body corporate, would not be required to be under seal may be made or executed on behalf of the Centre by the person authorised by the Centre.

1 Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Executive Secretary of the existing Centre or Committee prior to the coming into effect of this Act is deemed to have been transferred to the Centre established under this Act under the same conditions as Executive Secretary.

2 Any person who immediately before the commencement of this Act was a staff of the Centre or Committee shall continue in office and be deemed to have been appointed under this Act for the purpose of pension.

3 Properties held immediately before the commencement of this Act on behalf of the Centre by any person shall, by virtue of this Act, be vested in the Centre established under this Act.

4 The Centre established under this Act shall be subject to all the obligations and liabilities to which the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre or National Anti-Doping Committee was subject to immediately before the commencement of this Act and all other persons shall have the same rights, powers and remedies against the Centre established by this Act as they had against the Centre or Committee immediately before the commencement of this Act.

5 Any proceeding or cause of action pending or existing immediately before the commencement of this Act by or against the Centre or Committee in respect of any right, interest, obligation or liability of the Centre or the Committee may be continued or commenced, as the case may be, and any determination of a court of law, tribunal or other commission, authority or person may be enforced by or against the Centre established under this Act to the same extent that such proceeding, cause of action or determination might have been continued, commenced or enforced by or against the Centre or Committee, as if this Act had not been made.

6 As from the commencement of this Act, any disciplinary proceeding pending or existing against any employee of the Centre or Committee shall be continued and completed by the Centre established under this Act.

1 The Board may give general policy guidelines provided that such guidelines are Consistent with provisions of the Anti-Doping Rules or code.

2 The Executive Secretary shall ensure compliance with any policy guidelines or directive given to him by the Board under subsection (1) where such directive does not pose any conflict to international regulations.

1 The Board may make regulations for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of this Act.

2 The contravention of any regulation issued in accordance with the provisions of this Act shall constitute an offence punishable as prescribed in that regulation.

In this Act -

"Authority in charge of sports" means the body responsible for sports administration at the Federal level in Nigeria;

"Board" means the Technical Board of the Centre established under section 8 of this Act;

"Centre" means Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre established under section 5 of this Act as the National Anti-Doping Organisation of Nigeria ("NADO") and responsible for carrying out the functions of NADO as enshrined in the World Anti-Doping Code ("Code") in accordance with the various International Standards set up by the World Anti-Doping Agency;

"Code" means the World Anti-Doping Code and any amendments to the Code adopted by the World Anti-Doping Agency;

"Convention" means the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation International Convention Against Doping in Sport;

"Disciplinary Panel" means the Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel established under this Act;

"Executive Secretary" means the Executive Secretary of the Centre appointed under this Act;

"Panel" means the Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel established under this Act;

"President" means the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;

"RTP" means Registered Testing Pool; and

"Tribunal" means the Anti-Doping Appeal Tribunal established under this Act.

This Act may be cited as the Nigeria Anti-Doping Act, 2025.