NIGERIA: Nigeria Ready to Host Africa’s First Commonwealth Games in 2030

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Nigeria has reiterated its readiness to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which would mark the first time the global sporting event is held on African soil since its inception in 1930.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday when he received the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, pledged that Nigeria would deliver an inclusive, diverse, and world-class Games.

Gbajabiamila welcomed the delegation led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport.

He said: “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. The President has written a Letter of Guarantee to you; his full weight is behind this bid. 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.”

The Chief of Staff, on behalf of President Tinubu , stressed that his administration had introduced bold reforms to reposition sports as a driver of national development. He explained that he scrapped the Ministry of Sports and replaced it with the National Sports Commission to strengthen sports governance and ensure better results.

He further assured the delegation that infrastructure, security, and hospitality requirements would be met ahead of schedule, adding that Nigeria’s bid was not just about hosting but also about leaving a legacy for youth and national growth.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, also argued that Africa deserved the honour of hosting the Games, pointing out that the continent accounts for 21 Commonwealth nations.

Dikko added: “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.”

At the meeting was also the President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, Habu Gumel, who said the Games would be environmentally sustainable, while Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Bid Committee, unveiled Nigeria’s proposal.

He disclosed that the country plans to feature 15 sports, with football introduced to boost excitement, global visibility, and audience engagement.

In his remarks, Darren Hall praised Nigeria’s passion and commitment.

He said, noting that the Commonwealth, now made up of 56 nations, was striving for greater diversity as it approaches its 100-year milestone.

” I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavours, including sports.”

Also present at the meeting were Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; and Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, all of whom expressed support for the bid.

Nigeria and India remain the two official bidders for the 2030 Games, with Abuja and Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India) as their proposed host cities. The final decision on the host city will be taken at the Commonwealth Games General Assembly in November 2025.