NIGERIA has officially reaffirmed its readiness to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, setting its sights on becoming the first African nation to stage the historic sporting event since its inception nearly a century ago.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, made the declaration over the weekend while receiving the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Addressing the delegation, President Tinubu through Gbajabiamila stressed that Africa had waited too long for the Games to be staged on its soil.
“It’s been almost 100 years. The Games have never been held on any soil in Africa. What I can assure you is that we’re ready. We’re willing, we’re able, and we actually want this,” Gbajabiamila said.
Tinubu added that his administration has introduced bold reforms in the sports sector, including scrapping the Ministry of Sports and replacing it with the National Sports Commission, designed to better drive sports development and youth engagement.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, presented Nigeria’s proposal, describing it as a “historic and inclusive vision” that would leave a lasting legacy for Africa’s youth.
The bid proposes 15 sporting events, with football set to make its debut in the Games to attract global attention and excite African fans.
“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.
Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, emphasized that Nigeria is prepared to host an environmentally sustainable Games, aligned with global best practices.
Gbajabiamila handed over a Letter of Guarantee from President Tinubu to the committee, pledging that Nigeria would meet all infrastructure, security, and hospitality requirements ahead of schedule.
“The President’s full weight is behind this bid. We will not only host the Games but also deliver a world-class experience that promotes diversity and unity values at the heart of the Commonwealth,” Gbajabiamila told the delegation.
Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport, who led the evaluation team, expressed delight at Nigeria’s enthusiasm.
“I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavours, including sports. As the Commonwealth approaches its 100-year milestone, diversity and inclusion will be at the centre of our decision,” Hall said.
Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, is competing against Ahmedabad, India, for the right to host the Games. After a comprehensive evaluation of both bids, the Commonwealth Games General Assembly is expected to make its final decision in November 2025.
The weekend’s meeting was attended by key cabinet members, including Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris; Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; and Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam.
Their presence was seen as a strong signal of the Nigerian government’s whole-of-government approach to securing the 2030 Games.
Nigeria previously bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games but was unsuccessful. The Games were eventually awarded to Glasgow, Scotland.
South Africa’s Durban was selected to host the 2022 Games, but financial constraints forced the country to withdraw, leading Birmingham, UK, to step in.
If Nigeria’s bid succeeds, Abuja would make history as the first African city ever to host the Commonwealth Games.