Nigeria’s Bid to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja

By Newsroom

Administrator

Newsroom

Posted: April 7, 2025 at 9:42 pm, Updated: April 7, 2025 at 9:42 pm

Nigeria’s players and staff, with Nigeria’s US coach Rena Wakama (3rdR) pose as they celebrate after winning the women’s preliminary round group B basketball match between Canada and Nigeria during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, northern France, on August 4, 2024. (Photo by Sameer AL-DOUMY / AFP)

Aiming to Host the 2030 Commonwealth Games

In a significant move for African sports, the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) has officially expressed interest in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja. This initiative, submitted by the March 28, 2025 deadline, marks a pivotal step toward bringing the prestigious event to Nigeria.

The NOC emphasized that hosting the Games would provide a unique platform to showcase Nigeria’s development, elevate its global profile, and invigorate its sports culture. The committee stated, “This would also provide a compelling narrative for the nation’s progress and readiness.”

Historically, Nigeria attempted to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games but lost to Glasgow. However, the country’s successful organization of the 2003 African Games in Abuja demonstrated its capability to manage large-scale sporting events. Building on this experience, the NOC believes Nigeria is well-prepared to host the Commonwealth Games.

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has been a vocal advocate for this bid.

He highlighted that no African nation has hosted the Commonwealth Games since their inception in 1930, describing this as a “black spot” on the continent’s sporting history.

Enoh asserted, “We have the facilities to host such a big tournament like the Commonwealth Games.”

To bolster Nigeria’s readiness, the federal government has allocated over N31 billion for the renovation and upgrade of key sports facilities, including the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. This initiative aims to elevate these venues to international standards, positioning Nigeria to host global competitions.

The NOC’s expression of interest is the first step in a comprehensive bidding process. A formal bid requires governmental backing and a detailed plan demonstrating Nigeria’s capability to meet the Commonwealth Games Federation’s standards.

The NOC remains optimistic, stating that hosting the Games would “showcase its ability to manage the logistics, hospitality, and infrastructure development required by such events.”

As the bidding process unfolds, the international sports community will closely monitor Nigeria’s efforts to bring the Commonwealth Games to Africa for the first time, potentially marking a historic milestone in the continent’s sporting narrative.