Nigeria Ready to Host Africa’s First Commonwealth Games in 2030 – President Tinubu Assures
Nigeria advanced its historic bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, as the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee arrived in Abuja on Thursday.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, received the delegation at the Presidential Villa, assuring them that Nigeria is fully prepared to deliver an inclusive, diverse, and world-class Games on African soil.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Gbajabiamila declared:
“The President has written a Letter of Guarantee to you; his 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 almost 100 years, and the Games have never been hosted in Africa. Inclusivity is what the Commonwealth stands for, and Nigeria is ready to make history.”
The delegation, led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport and a member of the 2030 Evaluation Committee, held strategic talks with Nigerian ministers and senior government officials.
President Tinubu emphasised that hosting the Games goes beyond sport, positioning it as a strategic driver of national development and youth empowerment. He noted that his administration has enacted bold reforms in the sector, including replacing the Ministry of Sports with the National Sports Commission to better drive sports development.
Tinubu further assured that Nigeria will meet all infrastructural, security, and hospitality requirements ahead of schedule, pledging that the Games would leave a lasting legacy for youth and national growth.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, argued that Africa’s time has come:
“Nigeria’s hosting of the 2030 Games will not just be for our country, but for the 21 Commonwealth nations in Africa. As the continent’s giant, Nigeria deserves this honour.”
The Bid Committee Chairman, Mainasara Illo, unveiled Nigeria’s proposal, highlighting plans for 15 sports, including the introduction of football to enhance global appeal.
Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, pledged that Nigeria will host an environmentally sustainable Games, while Darren Hall praised the passion and hospitality of Nigerians, stressing the Commonwealth’s desire for greater diversity as it nears its 100-year milestone.
Also present at the meeting were key ministers including Muhammed Idris (Information and National Orientation), Festus Keyamo (Aviation), Hannatu Musa Musawa (Art, Culture, Tourism & Creative Economy), Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (Housing & Urban Development), and Ibrahim Gaidam (Police Affairs), all expressing strong support for the bid.
Nigeria and India remain the two official bidders for the 2030 Games, with Abuja and Ahmedabad (Gujarat, India) as their proposed host cities. The Commonwealth Games General Assembly will announce the winning city in November 2025.
If successful, Nigeria will become the first African nation to host the Commonwealth Games in the event’s 100-year history.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
September 18, 2025
