NOC launches policy to protect athletes from abuse

The Nigeria Olympic Committee has launched a national safeguarding policy for sports. They have instructed all national sports federations to adopt and put this framework into action. The goal is to protect athletes from abuse, harassment, discrimination, and exploitation.

During the launch of the Nigeria Safeguarding in Sports Policy in Abuja on Tuesday, NOC President, Habu Gumel, stated that the policy aims to ensure that athletes can compete and grow in a safe environment. It also aligns Nigeria’s sports sector with global standards.

Gumel explained that this policy came after the NOC Safeguarding Commission was set up in February 2025. There were also awareness campaigns aimed at athletes, coaches, and sports leaders across the nation.

He pointed out that discussions during the National Sports Festival highlighted the need to protect athletes and maintain the integrity of sports.

"In February 2025, the Nigeria Olympic Committee, in line with global standards and Olympic values, set up its Safeguarding Commission. Since then, the Commission has done a lot of advocacy and awareness work to promote safety and respect in sports," Gumel said.

"One of its most effective initiatives took place during the National Sports Festival, where members of the Commission interacted directly with athletes, coaches, and technical officials.

"These discussions confirmed an important fact: the integrity of sport relies not only on fair play and competition. It also depends on every participant's right to train and compete in a safe environment without harassment, abuse, discrimination, or exploitation," Gumel added.

He mentioned that the policy matches the International Olympic Committee’s guidelines on harassment and abuse in sports and follows the Olympic Charter principles.

"Nigeria’s Safeguarding in Sports Policy shows a clear zero-tolerance approach to all forms of abuse and wrongdoing in sports. It sets standards, reporting processes, and accountability for everyone involved, from grassroots to elite levels," he said.

Gumel noted that the policy pays special attention to vulnerable groups such as children, female athletes, and people with disabilities.

"This policy recognises the special vulnerabilities of children, female athletes, and people with disabilities. It affirms that every participant, regardless of age, gender, ability, or status, deserves protection and respect," he said.

The NOC president called on national sports federations to adopt the policy. He urged them to appoint safeguarding officers to ensure everyone follows the rules.

"I urge all National Sports Federations to adopt this policy and appoint qualified safeguarding officers to oversee compliance and education in their organisations," he said.

He also encouraged coaches, administrators, and technical officials to take safeguarding training. He noted that the IOC has set aside resources to support training.

"The IOC has budgeted for the training of safeguarding officers. Any federation with candidates that need training should contact us so we can help with approvals and scholarships for that training," Gumel added.

Chairman of the NOC Safeguarding Commission, Adebola Olajide, said safeguarding is vital for athletes' well-being and the overall growth of sports in Nigeria.

"The policy protects the entire sports environment. It safeguards athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators by clearly defining responsibilities and reporting paths," Olajide said.

He explained that the framework covers psychological abuse, sexual harassment, neglect, bullying, and other forms of misconduct that could harm athletes' welfare and performance.

"Safeguarding enhances performance because athletes can engage in sports without fear. It helps them focus on long-term growth, knowing they have support and protection from the system around them," he said.

Olajide stressed that the policy will apply throughout an athlete’s career and at all levels of sports, from grassroots to national and international competitions.

He also highlighted the need for proper supervision of minors, insurance for athletes, and mandatory checks for those caring for young athletes.

"Athletes must be well protected. Minors should not travel without proper supervision and consent. Those responsible for them must be thoroughly screened," he said.

The safeguarding policy sets up procedures for preventing, reporting, and responding to abuse cases. It is expected to help sports organisations across the country create safer sporting environments.