The Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre (NADC) have strengthened collaboration on clean sport, athlete protection and anti-doping compliance as part of efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s sporting integrity and international reputation.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, stated this when the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NADC, Mainasara Illo, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the partnership reflected the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing disciplined, resilient and globally competitive athletes capable of representing the Service and the country with distinction.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed the importance of sustained anti-doping education, regular screening and effective institutional oversight, particularly from the early stages of athletes’ development.
He noted that adequate sensitisation would help prevent the intentional or inadvertent use of prohibited substances, including substances that could be contained in unverified medications, supplements and local remedies.
The COAS assured the delegation of the Nigerian Army’s readiness to support joint anti-doping education, sensitisation and capacity-building programmes.
He also expressed the Army’s willingness to make its physical training platforms available for relevant seminars and awareness activities.
According to him, proactive education would help protect athletes from avoidable sanctions, promote compliance with international sporting standards and safeguard Nigeria’s reputation at national and international competitions.
Lieutenant General Shaibu further underscored the need for a preventive approach that equips military athletes, coaches and support personnel with adequate knowledge to make informed decisions on nutrition, medication, supplements and performance enhancement.
He noted that such measures would reinforce discipline, protect the health and careers of athletes and sustain the Nigerian Army’s longstanding contribution to national sporting excellence.
The strengthened partnership provides a framework for greater cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the national anti-doping authority on education, sensitisation and capacity building aimed at protecting military athletes and promoting integrity in Nigerian sport.
