Nigeria Reaffirms Readiness To Host Africa’s First Commonwealth Games In 2030
3 min read
By Sportsgister
Nigeria has inched closer to making history as the first African nation to host the Commonwealth Games, following a high-profile visit by the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to Abuja on Thursday.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, received the delegation at the Presidential Villa, assuring them of Nigeria’s full commitment to staging a world-class, inclusive, and transformative 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Tinubu: “Africa Deserves Its Moment”
In his remarks, President Tinubu stressed that the Commonwealth Games, since their inception in 1930, have never been held on African soil, describing Nigeria’s bid as both historic and symbolic.
“The Commonwealth champions unity and diversity, and Africa deserves its moment after nearly a century,” he noted.
Tinubu also highlighted his administration’s bold reforms in the sports sector, including the replacement of the Ministry of Sports with the newly established National Sports Commission, tasked with driving sustainable sports development.
“Our bid is not just about hosting,” he added. “It is about leaving a legacy for our youth and positioning sports as a strategic driver of national development.”
Strong Government Backing
Hon. Gbajabiamila reassured the committee of the government’s total support, stating that the President had written a formal Letter of Guarantee to back Nigeria’s bid.
“You are very welcome to Nigeria. We are known for our great hospitality, and I hope you experience it during your stay,” Gbajabiamila said. “The President is fully behind this. We are ready, we are willing, and we are able. It has been almost 100 years—Africa deserves to host the Games.”
He assured that Nigeria would deliver all infrastructural, security, and hospitality requirements well ahead of schedule.
Nigeria vs. India: The Race for 2030
Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, is bidding against Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India, for the hosting rights. The final decision will be made by the Commonwealth Games General Assembly in November 2025.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, argued that Nigeria deserved the honour of hosting, noting that Africa is home to 21 Commonwealth nations.
“President Tinubu sees the 2030 Games, if hosted here, as a celebration of Nigeria’s growing force in sports beyond mere participation,” he stated.
Innovation and Sustainability at the Core
Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Nigeria Bid Committee, presented the country’s proposal, which includes 15 sports disciplines. Notably, football is set to be introduced into the Games to boost global visibility, excitement, and fan engagement.
Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, further assured that Nigeria would host environmentally sustainable Games.
Evaluation Committee Impressed
Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport, who led the visiting delegation, expressed gratitude for the warm Nigerian welcome.
“I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavours, including sports,” he remarked. He added that as the Commonwealth, now 56 nations strong, approaches its centenary, it is seeking greater diversity and inclusivity in its hosting choices.
Broad National Support
The visit also saw strong backing from top government officials, including Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammed 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.
The delegation will continue its evaluation before submitting a comprehensive report, which will inform the final decision in 2025.
If successful, Nigeria’s hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games will mark a landmark achievement for Africa and open a new chapter in global sports history.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
