Nigeria Declares Readiness to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

Nigeria Declares Readiness to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

Nigeria has formally reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with President Bola Tinubu pledging full government support to bring the global sporting spectacle to African soil for the first time.

Receiving the Commonwealth Sports Bid Evaluation Committee at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, speaking on behalf of the President, assured the delegation that Nigeria is prepared to meet every requirement necessary to host a world-class Games.

Commonwealth Games

“You are very welcome to Nigeria. President Tinubu has asked me to personally convey his support for this bid,” Gbajabiamila said. “We are ready, willing, and eager to host the Games. It has been a century since the Commonwealth Games were last held on African soil, and we are determined to make it happen here in Nigeria.”

He confirmed that President Tinubu had signed a letter of guarantee backing Nigeria’s candidacy, a move that underscores the administration’s commitment.

As part of its sports reforms, Gbajabiamila announced the dissolution of the Ministry of Sports and the establishment of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to oversee Nigeria’s sporting development.

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Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC, said Nigeria’s bid represents not just the nation, but Africa’s growing prominence within the Commonwealth.
“With 22 Commonwealth nations in Africa, and Nigeria being the continent’s largest and most influential, we believe it is time Africa hosted the Games,” Dikko argued.

The Nigerian delegation outlined key features of its proposal, including 15 sporting events, with the addition of football to broaden international appeal. Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, highlighted the country’s commitment to sustainability, while Bid Committee Chairman Mainasara Illo detailed Abuja’s readiness in terms of infrastructure, hospitality, and logistics.

Darren Hall, Director of Commonwealth Games and Assurance, who led the visiting delegation, praised Nigeria’s passion for sports and its famed hospitality. “I’ve been deeply impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of the Nigerian people, particularly in their sports pursuits,” Hall said, adding that the Commonwealth, now 56 nations strong, is eager to diversify hosting locations as it marks its centenary.

Ministers from key sectors, including Information, Aviation, Culture, Housing, and Police Affairs, also expressed full support, assuring that infrastructure upgrades, security, and accommodation would be comprehensively addressed.

Nigeria, with Abuja as its proposed host city, faces competition from India, which has put forward Ahmedabad. The final decision on the host of the 2030 Games will be taken in November 2025 after a rigorous evaluation process.

For many observers, Nigeria’s bid is more than a sporting ambition it is a historic chance to showcase Africa’s readiness to host global events at the highest level.