Nigeria has entered the global spotlight with a formal bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja — the first on African soil in more than three decades.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, confirmed that the proposal had been submitted to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 Management through Opus Racing Promotions, Nigeria’s official partner in the bid.
“This bid is more than just about hosting a race. It is about showcasing Nigeria’s capacity, creativity, and commitment to developing world-class sporting infrastructure,” Dikko said. “It is a landmark project that will redefine Nigeria’s place in global motorsport and sports tourism.”
According to him, the Abuja Grand Prix project enjoys solid backing from the Federal Government and key private investors. Plans include an international-standard circuit designed to position Nigeria as a serious player in the global motorsport calendar.
Invitations have already been sent to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects — the German firm behind several of F1’s most iconic modern tracks — to visit Abuja for site assessments and stakeholder engagements.
The move comes months after Nigeria successfully hosted the first-ever African leg of the all-electric powerboat championship — the E1 Lagos GP.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described that event as “a celebration of innovation and clean energy,” adding that it proved Nigeria’s readiness to host elite global sporting competitions.
If approved, the Abuja Grand Prix would mark Formula 1’s long-awaited return to Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
Nigeria’s ambition doesn’t end there. The country is also bidding to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with President Bola Tinubu urging the Commonwealth Games Federation to grant the centenary edition to Nigeria — a move that would make it the first African nation to host the historic event.
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