Nigeria has formally presented its bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, aiming to become the first African nation to do so in the event’s nearly 100-year history.
The bid was officially welcomed at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, where the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee was received by a high-level Nigerian delegation.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, reaffirmed the nation’s full commitment and backing for the ambitious proposal. He assured the delegation that Nigeria is ready to deliver an “inclusive, diverse, and world-class” event on African soil. The President emphasised the symbolic importance of the bid, stating that the “Commonwealth champions unity and diversity, and Africa deserves its moment after nearly a century.”
Gbajabiamila personally conveyed the President’s strong support to the delegation, led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport. “You’re very welcome to Nigeria. I hope you enjoy our great hospitality, which we are known for. Mr President also asked me personally to convey his regards; he fully supports this bid,” Gbajabiamila said. He provided concrete assurances, adding, “The President has written a Letter of Guarantee to you; his full weight is behind this bid.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s readiness, Gbajabiamila stated, “What I can assure you is that we’re ready. We’re willing, we’re able, and we actually want this. It’s been almost 100 years. The games have not been held on any soil in Africa. The element of inclusivity is what the Commonwealth is, and we hope that will benefit us.”
President Tinubu outlined his administration’s reforms to reposition sports as a key driver of national development, noting that he had “scrapped the Ministry of Sports and replaced it with the National Sports Commission to drive sports development.” He further guaranteed that “all infrastructural, security, and hospitality needs will be met ahead of schedule” and stressed that Nigeria’s bid is “not just about hosting but also leaving a legacy for youth and national development.”
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, argued strongly for Nigeria’s bid over its only competitor, India. He pointed out that Africa is home to 21 Commonwealth nations and that Nigeria, as the continent’s giant, deserves the honour. “One thing I want to assure you is that the President sees the hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, if we win the bid, as a celebration of the country’s growing force in sports, beyond just participation,” Dikko said.
The Bid Committee, led by Chairman Mainasara Illo, presented Nigeria’s proposal, which includes 15 sports with the innovative introduction of football to “boost excitement, global visibility, and audience engagement.” Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, added that the country is prepared to host an “environmentally sustainable Games.”
Darren Hall thanked the Nigerian team for their warm reception, noting, “I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavours, including sports.” He acknowledged the Commonwealth’s desire for greater diversity as it approaches its centenary.
The meeting was attended by several key ministers who voiced their unified support. The Commonwealth Games General Assembly will now evaluate the bids from Nigeria and India, with a final decision on whether Abuja or Ahmedabad will host the 2030 Games expected in November 2025.
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