By Muhyideen Jimoh
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to host a world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games, aiming to become the first African nation to achieve this historic milestone.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday during a visit by the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to hosting an inclusive, diverse, and world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games on African soil.
Gbajabiamila held strategic meeting with the delegation led by Darren Hall, Commonwealth Director of Games and Assurance, and member of the 2030 Evaluation Commission.
Tinubu emphasised that the Commonwealth champions unity and diversity, and Africa deserves its moment after nearly a century.
The games have never been hosted in Africa since inception in 1930, making Nigeria’s bid historic and overdue.
”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.”
”As I said the President has written a Letter of guarantee to you, he’s full weight is behind this 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.”
”The element of inclusivity is what Commonwealth is, and we hope that to our benefit.”
”You know, this administration has set some bold reforms to reposition sports. We see sports as a strategic driver of national development.”
”The President intentionally scrapped the Ministry of Sports and created a National Sports Commission to drive sports development,”
President Tinubu assured the delegation that all infrastructure, security, and hospitality needs will be met ahead of schedule.
He stressed that Nigeria’s bid is not just about hosting but leaving a legacy for youth and national development.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), made a strong case for Nigeria over India, stressing that Africa has 22 Commonwealth nations, and Nigeria as the giant of Africa deserves the honor.
”One thing I want to assure you is that 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.”
Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport, Nigeria, said the country is ready to host an environmentally sustainable Games.
Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Bid Committee, presented Nigeria’s proposal, highlighting key plans and innovations.
He revealed that Nigeria proposes 15 sports, with football introduced to boost excitement, global visibility, and audience engagement.
Darren Hall, Commonwealth Director of Games and Assurance, thanked President Tinubu and the Nigerian team for their warm welcome.
“I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavors, including sports.”
He said the Commonwealth, now comprising 56 nations, is aiming for greater diversity as it approaches its 100-year milestone.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed 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, attended the meeting and made statements in support of the bid.
They all assured of Nigeria’s readiness to host the Games, with each focusing on strategic sectors that will ensure a hitch-free sporting fiesta.
The Commonwealth delegation who are on a four-day visit will meet will key stakeholders and inspect key 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 thorough evaluation of both bids. (NAN)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Published By
- Senior Editor
