President Bola Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, assuring the visiting Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee that the country is fully committed to delivering the event on African soil for the first time in the Games’ history.
Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, made the remarks on Thursday when the delegation led by Darren Hall, Commonwealth Director of Games and Assurance, visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“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,” Gbajabiamila told the delegation.
He confirmed that Tinubu had issued a letter of guarantee backing Nigeria’s bid, stressing that the government was determined to meet all requirements. “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,” he said.
The Chief of Staff explained that the administration views sports as a key driver of national development. He noted that the government had scrapped the Ministry of Sports and established a National Sports Commission (NSC) to lead reforms in the sector.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC, argued that Nigeria’s bid should be seen in the context of Africa’s role within the Commonwealth. “Africa has 22 Commonwealth nations, and Nigeria as the giant of Africa deserves the honor,” he said, adding that hosting the Games would showcase the country’s growing influence in global sports.
Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, added that the country is prepared to host an environmentally sustainable event, while Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Bid Committee, outlined Nigeria’s proposal, which includes 15 sports and the introduction of football to attract wider global audiences.
Responding, Darren Hall commended Nigeria’s hospitality and enthusiasm. “I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavors, including sports,” he said, noting that the Commonwealth, now with 56 member nations, is seeking greater diversity as it marks its centenary.
Ministers from key sectors, including Information and National Orientation, Aviation, Art and Culture, Housing, and Police Affairs, attended the meeting and pledged their support to ensure infrastructure, security, and hospitality requirements are met.
The delegation, on a four-day visit, is scheduled to meet stakeholders and inspect facilities in Abuja, Nigeria’s proposed host city.
Nigeria is competing with India, which has put forward Ahmedabad as its candidate city. The host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games will be announced by the General Assembly in November 2025 after a full evaluation of both bids.
Would you like me to also expand on Nigeria’s proposed infrastructure and facility upgrades as part of the bid to give the rewrite more depth on the preparations?
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