The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) will launch its Safeguard Policy for Sports in Nigeria on June 16, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen athlete protection and promote safe sporting environments across the country.
The NOC scheduled the launch for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The event will take place at the Secretariat of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) in Abuja.
The move follows the committee’s decision to inaugurate its Safeguard Commission in February 2025. The NOC took the step in line with the International Olympic Committee’s Safe Sport Initiative.
Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer of NOC, in a statement, said that since its inauguration, the Commission has carried out advocacy and awareness programmes. It also engaged stakeholders to promote safe, inclusive and respectful sporting environments across Nigeria.
It added that the Commission used the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, held from May 15 to 30, 2025, to expand Safe Sport awareness. It organised sensitisation campaigns, engaged stakeholders and distributed educational materials during the event.
According to the statement, following extensive consultations, the Commission developed the NOC Safeguard Policy for Sports in Nigeria.
It noted that the document established clear standards, reporting channels and accountability measures. It aims to protect athletes, coaches, officials, children, women and other vulnerable persons from abuse, exploitation, harassment, discrimination, bullying, neglect and other forms of misconduct in sports.
The NOC said the launch marks a major step in advancing Safe Sport in Nigeria. The committee added that the policy reflects its commitment to making sports safe, inclusive and empowering for everyone.
External Links
Nigerian Olympic Committee
International Olympic Committee Safe Sport Programme
Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA)
