WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY CALLS FOR THE CREATION OF NATIONAL CENTER IN NIGERIA

Al-hassan Yakmut Director general of the Sports Commission (NSC)

The World Anti-Doping Agency has called on the Nigerian government to take a lead in Africa by enacting the necessary legal instruments that would support and underscore the establishment of the National Anti-Doping Organisation that would operate independently.

 This call was contained in a congratulatory message sent to the Director General, National Sports Commission, Alhaji Alhassan Yakmut recently by the  Director for the World Anti-Doping Agency in Africa , Mr. Rodney Swigelaar.
Mr. Swigelaar urged the Director General to accelerate the finalisation of arrangements for the establishment of the Nigeria National Anti-Doping programme which was spearheaded by the Nigerian National Anti-doping Organisation.
 According to him, “there is need for Nigeria, with its celebrated sports history and remarkable sporting prowess to have a robust anti-doping programme in place”.
 The African Director, WADA noted that Nigeria has always been a very strong supporter of WADA having previously served on its governance structure but explained that the political and administrative structure of the Agency has been subjected to changes over the years.
Furthermore, Swigelaar  remarks, “As the African Director for the World Anti-Doping Agency, my relationship with the government and the sports movement of Nigeria goes back many years”.  Adding, “I am very hopeful that you will prioritize this matter as it cannot be delayed for much longer with the international sporting world is expecting urgent progress and action from Nigeria”.