President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to host a world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games, aiming to become the first African nation to achieve this historic milestone.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday during a visit by the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The president, represented by his chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to hosting an inclusive, diverse, and world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games on African soil.
He held a strategic meeting with the delegation led by Darren Hall, Commonwealth Director of Games and Assurance, and a member of the 2030 Evaluation Commission.
Tinubu emphasised that the Commonwealth champions unity and diversity, and Africa deserves its moment after nearly a century.
The games have never been hosted in Africa since its inception in 1930, making Nigeria’s bid historic and overdue.
“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,” said Tinubu.
The president said his administration implemented “bold reforms” to reposition sports and intentionally scrapped the Ministry of Sports and created a National Sports Commission to drive sports development.
Tinubu assured the delegation that all infrastructure, security, and hospitality needs will be met ahead of schedule.
He stressed that Nigeria’s bid is not just about hosting but leaving a legacy for youth and national development.
Shehu Dikko, the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), made a strong case for Nigeria over India, stressing that Africa has 22 Commonwealth nations and that the country, as the giant of Africa, deserves the honour.
“One thing I want to assure you is that the president sees the hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, if we win the bid, as a celebration of the country’s growing force in sports, beyond just participation,” Mr Dikko said.
Habu Gumel, president of Commonwealth Sport, Nigeria, said the country is ready to host an environmentally sustainable Games.
Mainasara Illo, chairman of the Bid Committee, presented Nigeria’s proposal, highlighting key plans and innovations.
He revealed that Nigeria proposes 15 sports, with football introduced to boost excitement, global visibility, and audience engagement.
Darren Hall, Commonwealth Director of Games and Assurance, thanked Mr Tinubu and the Nigerian team for their warm welcome.
