From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has announced its readiness to host Africa’s first-ever Commonwealth Games in 2030, underscoring the country’s commitment to delivering a landmark event on the continent.
On Thursday, September 18, Abuja welcomed the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport.
The delegation was formally received at the Presidential Villa by Nigeria’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, who reaffirmed the federal government’s readiness to host an inclusive, diverse, and world-class Games on African soil for the first time since the event began in 1930.
In a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Gbajabiamila expressed President Tinubu’s full support, highlighting a written Letter of Guarantee as evidence of the administration’s unwavering backing of the bid. “We are ready. We’re willing, we’re able, and we actually want this,” Gbajabiamila declared, adding that “the element of inclusivity is what the Commonwealth is, and we hope that will benefit us.”
The bid aims to make history, as Africa has never hosted the Commonwealth Games despite their near-century existence. Nigeria previously bid unsuccessfully for the 2014 Games, and while Durban, South Africa, was awarded the 2022 Games, financial difficulties forced a relocation to Birmingham, UK.
President Tinubu emphasised sports’ critical role in national development, revealing reforms including the replacement of the Ministry of Sports with the National Sports Commission to better advance sports growth. He assured the committee that infrastructure, security, and hospitality arrangements will be fulfilled ahead of schedule, stressing that the Games would leave a lasting legacy for Nigeria’s youth.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, made a case for Nigeria’s leadership as Africa’s strongest Commonwealth nation, arguing that hosting the Games would celebrate Nigeria’s rise beyond mere participation.
President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, Habu Gumel, added that Nigeria is prepared to organise an environmentally sustainable event.
Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Bid Committee, unveiled key aspects of the proposal, including the introduction of football as one of 15 sports to boost excitement and global visibility.
Hall praised Nigeria’s passion for sports and affirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to diversity as it nears its 100-year milestone.
Also participating were key federal ministers who voiced their support for the bid, including the Ministers of Information, Aviation, Art and Culture, Housing, and Police Affairs.
Nigeria is competing against India, which has proposed Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as its host city.
The final decision on the 2030 Commonwealth Games host will be made by the Commonwealth Games General Assembly in November 2025.
