Tinubu reaffirms Nigeria’s bid to host 2030 Commonwealth Games

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to bringing the Commonwealth Games to African soil for the first time, as Nigeria pushes forward with its bid to host the 2030 edition. It will be recalled that Nigeria previously vied for the 2014 edition of the Games but lost to Glasgow, Scotland. The city of Durban […]

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to bringing the Commonwealth Games to African soil for the first time, as Nigeria pushes forward with its bid to host the 2030 edition.

It will be recalled that Nigeria previously vied for the 2014 edition of the Games but lost to Glasgow, Scotland. The city of Durban in South Africa won the bid to host the 2022 Games, but could not do so due to financial difficulties. Birmingham in the UK took over and hosted the Games.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, and Director General Bukola Olopade gave the assurance in Abuja while receiving members of the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee, who are in Nigeria to assess facilities and readiness as part of the ongoing bid process.

Dikko emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to deliver the Games, describing the bid as a “historic step toward inclusivity in the Commonwealth sporting community.”

“We are very happy to welcome you here in Nigeria and to show you around the beautiful city of Abuja and our facilities,” Dikko said. “President Tinubu sees the 2030 Games, if we secure the hosting rights, as a celebration of Nigeria’s growing influence in sports, beyond just participation.”

Olopade echoed the confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to host, noting that the bid combines all the essential elements: infrastructure, political will, private sector support, and the passion of the people.

“We have assembled a strong bid committee led by Mainasara Illo, backed by a robust bid document,” Olopade explained. “With the engagements we are having with the Commonwealth Games Bid Evaluation Committee, led by Darren Hall, we are optimistic this will be another major step toward Nigeria securing the hosting rights.”

Underscoring the government’s commitment, Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, received the Commonwealth delegation on behalf of President Tinubu. 

In his welcome remarks, Gbajabiamila called on the visitors to savour Nigeria’s renowned hospitality: “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 fully supports this bid.”

“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. The games have not been held on any soil in Africa.

The visiting Commonwealth Sport team included Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance and member of the 2030 Evaluation Commission; Ann-Louise Morgan, Director of Sport; and Ezera Tshabangu, Regional Development Manager for Africa and Europe.