N’Assembly Warns Athletes Against Banned Substances

The National Assembly has warned Nigerian athletes against the use of banned substances, urging them to comply with anti-doping regulations to protect their health and careers.

The warning was given amid continued efforts by sports authorities to strengthen awareness of anti-doping rules among Nigerian athletes and sports federations.

The National Anti-Doping Committee NADC has similarly cautioned athletes and federations against the use of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, stressing that violations could result in severe sanctions and long-term health consequences.

The committee’s position is in line with international anti-doping requirements, under which athletes are responsible for substances found in their bodies, regardless of whether their use was intentional.

The 2026 World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List includes substances such as anabolic agents, peptide hormones, beta-2 agonists, hormone and metabolic modulators, diuretics, stimulants and narcotics, as well as prohibited methods including blood manipulation and gene or cell doping.

Athletes have therefore been advised to verify the status of medications and supplements before taking them and to seek appropriate guidance where necessary.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has also intensified anti-doping education, making anti-doping seminars mandatory for national and elite athletes and their support personnel as part of efforts to promote clean sport and compliance with international regulations.

The National Assembly urged athletes to take anti-doping requirements seriously, noting that maintaining clean sporting practices was essential to protecting Nigeria’s reputation and ensuring athletes’ continued participation in national and international competitions.