President Bola Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, assuring that the country is fully committed to bringing the global sporting event to Africa for the first time.
Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the assurance when the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee led by Darren Hall visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“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’s fully in support of this bid,” Gbajabiamila said.
He confirmed that Tinubu had already issued a letter of guarantee backing Nigeria’s 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 100 years. The Games have not been held on any soil in Africa,” he said.
Sports as National Development Tool
Gbajabiamila explained that the administration views sports as a key driver of national unity and development. He recalled that the Ministry of Sports had been scrapped and replaced with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to spearhead reforms and investments in the sector.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC, told the delegation that Nigeria’s bid was not just about sports but about Africa’s place in the Commonwealth. “Africa has 22 Commonwealth nations, and Nigeria as the giant of Africa deserves the honor,” he said. He added that hosting the Games would underline the continent’s growing voice in global affairs.
Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, stressed that the bid also reflects a commitment to sustainability. He noted that Nigeria would ensure the Games meet environmental standards, while Bid Committee Chairman Mainasara Illo revealed that Nigeria’s proposal includes 15 sporting disciplines and the introduction of football to draw wider global attention.
Nigeria Competes With India
Responding, Darren Hall commended Nigeria’s warm welcome. “I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavors, including sports,” he said.
The delegation, now on a four-day visit, is expected to meet stakeholders and inspect facilities in Abuja, Nigeria’s proposed host city.
Nigeria is competing with India, which has put forward Ahmedabad as its candidate city. The winner will be decided in November 2025 when the Commonwealth General Assembly meets to select the host of the 2030 Games.
Meanwhile, several ministers — including those of Information and National Orientation, Aviation, Art and Culture, Housing, and Police Affairs — pledged their full support to guarantee security, infrastructure, and hospitality standards.
If successful, Nigeria would become the first African nation to host the Games, marking a historic milestone for the Commonwealth which now has 56 member states.
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