Nigeria submits bid for 2030 commonwealth games

Nigeria has officially met the deadline to express interest in bidding for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) confirming the submission on Monday.

The bid process, which closed on March 28, was announced following the NOC’s executive committee meeting held in Abuja on April 3.

Tony Nezianya, the NOC’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed the news in a statement on Monday, highlighting the significant opportunity the Games would provide to showcase Nigeria’s progress and strengthen its position in global sports.

However, he emphasized that the formal bidding process could only begin if the Nigerian Federal Government lends its support to the project.

“Nigeria’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja would present a unique opportunity to showcase its development, enhance its global standing, and invigorate its sports culture,” Nezianya said.

If successful, the 2030 Commonwealth Games would mark the return of a major multi-sport event to Nigeria, which last hosted the African Games in 2003 in Abuja.

Nezianya pointed out that this event demonstrated Nigeria’s capability in organizing large-scale international events, laying a solid foundation for the country to host the Commonwealth Games.

The bid process, he noted, would have several long-term benefits, including enhanced sports infrastructure and the revitalization of the local sports economy. “Bidding for the Games can catalyze investments in sports infrastructure and facilities across the country, particularly in Abuja.

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It will improve national sports facilities for future generations and create jobs, benefiting the local economy,” Nezianya explained.

Additionally, hosting the Games would boost tourism, attract international visitors, and generate employment opportunities.

The event would also inspire a new generation of athletes, offering them the motivation and support to pursue excellence in sports, Nezianya added.

The announcement also highlighted other major sporting events on the African calendar, including the African Olympic Committees’ (ANOCA) School Sports Games in Algeria from July 5-13, 2025, and the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for November 7-31, 2025.

Looking ahead, Nezianya noted that the next Commonwealth Games would be hosted by Glasgow, Scotland, from March 17-29, 2026.

Other upcoming events include the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026, and the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, set for February 6-22, 2027.