The Senate has confirmed Mainasara Illo as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre (NADC).
The confirmation followed the adoption of a report presented by the Senate Joint Committee on Sports Development and Drugs and Narcotics after screening the nominee.
Chairman of the committee, Abdul Ningi, presented the report during plenary and moved a motion for its consideration. The motion was seconded by Sen. Diket Plang.
While presenting the committee’s findings, Ningi said Nigeria had continued to gain international recognition through the performances of its athletes in global sporting competitions.
He noted that the establishment of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre was essential to preserving the integrity of sports in the country and ensuring compliance with international anti-doping standards.
According to him, the centre is expected to position Nigeria among countries with effective and globally recognised anti-doping systems.
Ningi said the creation of a functional anti-doping structure would also strengthen Nigeria’s credibility in international sports and improve confidence in the country’s sporting institutions.
The committee further observed that previous doping scandals involving Nigerian athletes had negatively affected the nation’s image.
It noted that some incidents resulted in sanctions, disqualifications, withdrawal of medals and reputational setbacks for the country in international competitions.
According to the lawmakers, a properly coordinated anti-doping centre would help protect athletes, prevent future violations and support the growth of sports development in Nigeria.
The committee stated that its recommendation for Illo’s confirmation was in line with provisions of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Act 2025 and relevant constitutional requirements.
Following deliberations by senators at the Committee of the Whole, the upper chamber unanimously approved Illo’s appointment as head of the anti-doping centre.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended members of the joint committee for the speedy handling of the screening process.
Akpabio also expressed optimism that the new leadership of the centre would strengthen Nigeria’s anti-doping framework and enhance integrity in the nation’s sports sector.
