The Ministry of Youth and Sports has requested for a partnership with the Australian Anti Doping Authority in a bid to ensure that Nigeria forge a solid anti doping structure.

This was established when a 5-man Nigerian delegation led by Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, visited the Operations Centre of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority in Gold Coast on Wednesday.

While speaking about the partnership idea, Barrister Dalung said: “We are grateful for your magnanimity in enabling us to visit this magnificent anti-doping Centre. We will appreciate a collaboration with Australia and any other assistance from your country to ensure a dope free society.”

“We wish to emulate the organizational structure of Australia Sports Anti-doping Authority which will be used as a benchmark for the establishment of a legislatively backed anti doping agency in Nigeria.” he added.

In his response, the Operations Centre Manager and Director Investigations, Darrel Jeffery shed more light on the structure and functions of the center.

Jeffrey said: “We carry out doping control tests before, during and after the games which also includes intelligence report gathering and analysis. We hold education and outreach programs, recruitment, training and development of doping control officers and chaperones.”

Responding to a question on criteria used in selecting athletes for testing, Jeffrey further stated that: “Based on international standard for testing and investigation, there are three sports considered high risk for doping. They are Athletics, Weightlifting and cycling. Selection of athletes to be tested is based on intelligence report, athletes biological passport and partnerships with international Federations and other National anti doping Organizations.”

Other members of the Nigerian delegation include Engr Habu Gumel, Hon. Abubakar Nuhu Danburan, Hon. Chile Igwuagua, Mr Olusade Adesola and Mr. Femi Ayorinde.