Athlete Welfare in Focus As NOC Launches Safeguarding Policy

Athlete Welfare in Focus As NOC Launches Safeguarding Policy

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) will officially launch its Safeguarding Policy for Sports in Nigeria on June 16, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to promote safe, inclusive, and respectful sporting environments across the country, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The launch ceremony is scheduled to take place at 11:00 a.m. at the Secretariat of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) in Abuja.

The initiative stems from the International Olympic Committee's Safe Sport programme, which encourages National Olympic Committees worldwide to establish structures and policies that protect participants in sport. In line with this directive, the NOC inaugurated its Safeguarding Commission in February 2025.

Since its establishment, the Commission has undertaken a series of advocacy campaigns, awareness programmes, and stakeholder engagement activities aimed at advancing the principles of safe sport in Nigeria.

One of its major outreach efforts was carried out during the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, held from May 15 to 30, 2025. The Commission used the event as a platform to promote safeguarding awareness through sensitisation campaigns, stakeholder interactions, and the distribution of educational materials.

Following extensive consultations with stakeholders and in alignment with international best practices, the Commission developed the NOC Safeguarding Policy for Sports in Nigeria.

The policy establishes clear standards, reporting procedures, and accountability mechanisms designed to protect athletes, coaches, officials, children, women, and other vulnerable groups from abuse, exploitation, harassment, discrimination, bullying, neglect, and other forms of misconduct within the sporting environment.

According to the NOC, the formal launch of the policy marks a significant milestone in the advancement of safe sport in Nigeria and reinforces the Committee's commitment to ensuring that sport remains a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all participants.

The event is expected to bring together sports administrators, athletes, coaches, government officials, and other key stakeholders committed to promoting welfare, protection, and integrity within Nigerian sports.