Nigeria has reaffirmed its determination to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with President Bola Tinubu assuring that the country is ready to deliver a historic, world-class event on African soil.
Receiving the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu — represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila — pledged full government backing for Nigeria’s bid. The delegation was led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport.
“We are ready, willing, and able. It’s been almost 100 years and the Games have never been held in Africa. The Commonwealth stands for inclusivity, and Africa deserves its moment,” Gbajabiamila said, adding that the President has signed a Letter of Guarantee for the bid.
Since their inception in 1930, the Commonwealth Games have never been staged in Africa. Nigeria’s previous bid for 2014 was unsuccessful, while Durban, South Africa, won the 2022 Games but later withdrew due to financial challenges. Birmingham, UK, eventually hosted that edition.
Nigeria’s Abuja bid for 2030, therefore, carries historic weight as the continent seeks its first chance to host the Games.
President Tinubu stressed that his administration views sports as a driver of national development. He pointed to reforms such as the replacement of the Ministry of Sports with the National Sports Commission, designed to fast-track growth in the sector.
He assured that Nigeria’s preparations would meet global standards in infrastructure, security, and hospitality, and that the Games would leave a legacy for youth and the wider society.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, argued that with 21 Commonwealth nations in Africa, Nigeria — as the continent’s largest member — is well positioned to host.
Commonwealth Sport Nigeria President, Habu Gumel, said the country is ready to deliver a sustainable event, while Bid Committee Chairman, Mainasara Illo, revealed plans to feature 15 sports, including football to boost visibility and engagement.
In response, Darren Hall praised Nigeria’s passion for sports and hospitality, noting that the Commonwealth, now comprising 56 nations, is keen to enhance diversity as it marks its 100th anniversary.
Ministers present at the Abuja meeting included Muhammed Idris (Information and National Orientation), Festus Keyamo (Aviation), Hannatu Musa Musawa (Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy), Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (Housing and Urban Development), and Ibrahim Gaidam (Police Affairs).
Nigeria’s Abuja and India’s Ahmedabad are the two official contenders for the 2030 Games. The host city will be decided by the Commonwealth Games General Assembly in November 2025.
Leave a comment