Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has announced Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, potentially becoming the first African nation to achieve this milestone. Represented by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu gave this assurance during a visit by the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to the Presidential Villa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gbajabiamila held a strategic meeting with the delegation, led by Darren Hall, Commonwealth Director of Games and Assurance, and member of the 2030 Evaluation Commission. President Tinubu highlighted that the Commonwealth champions unity and diversity, and emphasized that Africa deserves its moment after nearly a century of the games’ history, noting that they have never been hosted on African soil since their inception in 1930.
Gbajabiamila conveyed Tinubu’s full support for the bid, noting, “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.” The President has made structural reforms to enhance sports development by scrapping the Ministry of Sports and creating a National Sports Commission.
President Tinubu assured the delegation of Nigeria’s ability to meet all infrastructure, security, and hospitality needs ahead of schedule. He emphasized that Nigeria’s bid is not just about hosting but about leaving a legacy for youth and national development. Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, argued that Nigeria, as the “giant of Africa,” deserves the honor of hosting the games over India, highlighting that Africa comprises 22 Commonwealth nations.
Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport, Nigeria, stated that the country is prepared to host an environmentally sustainable Games. Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Bid Committee, presented Nigeria’s proposal, which includes 15 sports, with the introduction of football to enhance excitement and global visibility. Darren Hall thanked President Tinubu and the Nigerian team for their hospitality and noted the Nigerian people’s passion for sports.
Several ministers, including those from Information, Aviation, Art, Culture, Tourism, and Housing, attended the meeting, expressing strategic support for the bid. The Commonwealth delegation, on a four-day visit, will engage with key stakeholders and inspect facilities. Nigeria and India are the two official bidders for the 2030 Games, with Abuja and Ahmedabad as their proposed host cities. The Commonwealth Games General Assembly will decide the host city in November 2025 after evaluating both bids.