Sports Minister Solomon Dalong on Monday said Nigeria risks being banned from international competitions unless the country passes the anti- doping legislation within the next 21 days.
Dalong had on Monday, approached the President to intervene over the delays in the passage of an anti doping legislation that will herald the establishment of a national anti-doping agency for Nigeria.
The Minister of Sport disclosed this while speaking with State House Correspondents after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, on Monday.
He disclosed that the passage of the law was necessary for the establishment of a National Anti -Doping Agency, a body that will spearhead anti-doping activities in Nigeria.
Dalong said Nigeria was given 21 days to establish a National Anti-doping Agency, after the passage of the legal instrument by the World Anti-Doping Agency, (WADA)
According to Dalong, “We have been pushing and mounting pressure, but nothing has been done”
He declared that the news of the threat to ban Nigeria sent panic into the sporting industry.
He noted that even though Nigeria has not been found wanting in doping, the need for an Independent anti-doping agency cannot be guaranteed with the existence of a National Anti- Doping Agency,
He noted that the Agency, when in existence, will apart from enhancing the nation’s image , will organize training for athletes and officials on the anti-doping issues.
According to him, “ unless something drastic is done with 21 days, Nigeria May face ban and this means we will be grounded in all international sporting competitions.
Speaking on the challenges of the National Sports festival, he noted that the festival was facing financial challenges.
Dalong who disclosed that Nigeria will need the sum of N140b for the successful hosting of the festival.
He however expressed appreciation to the President for agreeing to help close the financial gap by providing the funds needed for the successful hosting of the competition
“ One of our sponsors had agreed to provide one third of that fund, but they later reneged and right now, we are facing financial challenges which the President had graciously agreed to assist us with” he said.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
