Nigeria has reaffirmed its readiness to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which would mark the first time the multi-sport event is staged on African soil.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu said his administration is committed to delivering an inclusive, diverse, and world-class Games, adding that the bid goes beyond hosting to leaving a legacy for youth and national development.
“Africa has never hosted the Games in nearly a century. What I can assure you is that we’re ready, willing, and able,” Gbajabiamila said on behalf of the President. “The President has written a Letter of Guarantee to you; his full weight is behind this bid.”
Tinubu noted that sports remain a strategic driver of national development, disclosing that his government had replaced the Ministry of Sports with the National Sports Commission to strengthen sports administration. He also pledged that all infrastructure, security, and hospitality requirements would be delivered ahead of schedule.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, urged the committee to support Nigeria’s bid ahead of India’s, pointing out that Africa has 21 Commonwealth nations. “The President sees the hosting of the Games as a celebration of Nigeria’s growing force in sports, beyond just participation,” he said.
Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, said the country is prepared to host an environmentally sustainable Games, while Bid Committee Chairman, Mainasara Illo, revealed that Nigeria’s proposal includes 15 sports with football introduced to boost global appeal.
Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport, who led the delegation, commended Nigeria’s hospitality, saying he was impressed by the passion of the Nigerian people.
Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, and India’s Ahmedabad in Gujarat, are the two cities bidding to host the Games. The Commonwealth Games General Assembly will announce the host city in November 2025.
