By President Bola Tinubu has assured that Nigeria is prepared to host Africa’s first-ever Commonwealth Games in 2030, describing the bid as historic for both the country and the continent.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, while receiving the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Tinubu said the government is committed to delivering “an inclusive, diverse, and world-class Games” if given the hosting rights.
“It’s been almost 100 years, and the Games have not been held on any soil in Africa. What I can assure you is that we’re ready, we’re willing, we’re able, and we actually want this,” Gbajabiamila told the visiting delegation led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport.
Tinubu emphasised that his administration has repositioned sports as a driver of development. He noted that the Ministry of Sports had been replaced with the National Sports Commission, which now oversees sports development and strategic planning. He assured that infrastructure, security, and hospitality requirements would be met ahead of schedule.
“The President has written a Letter of Guarantee to you; his full weight is behind this bid,” Gbajabiamila added.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, argued that Nigeria deserves the hosting rights ahead of India, citing Africa’s 21 Commonwealth member nations and Nigeria’s leadership role on the continent. “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,” Dikko said.
Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, pledged that the country would stage an environmentally sustainable event. Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Bid Committee, outlined Nigeria’s proposal, which includes 15 sports with football introduced to attract global visibility and audience engagement.
In his remarks, Hall expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s presentation and reception. “I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavours, including sports,” he said.
The delegation was received by senior government officials, including 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.
Nigeria and India remain the two official bidders for the 2030 Games, with Abuja and Ahmedabad as their respective proposed host cities. The final decision will be taken by the Commonwealth Games General Assembly in November 2025.
