NOC Launches Zero-Tolerance Safeguarding Policy to Shield Nigerian Athletes

The Nigeria Olympic Committee has unveiled a landmark Safeguarding in Sports Policy designed to protect athletes and participants from abuse, harassment, discrimination and exploitation. The framework sets clear standards, reporting channels and accountability structures across grassroots programmes to elite national teams. At the Abuja launch, NOC President Engineer Habu Gumel stressed that the policy aligns with global best practices and the IOC’s principles, urging sports federations to appoint safeguarding officers and roll out awareness programmes. He emphasized that every athlete has the right to train and compete in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, especially children, women and persons with disabilities. Dr. Olajide Adebola, Chairman of the NOC Safeguarding Commission, highlighted the need to address psychological, sexual and emotional abuse as well as neglect. He revealed that an assessment at the National Sports Festival showed ongoing safeguarding challenges. Representing the NDLEA, Assistant Commander Dara Kolo Shinaba Mohammed linked these efforts to combating drug abuse among young people and pledged support through awareness campaigns and preventive education.

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