Nigeria has declared its readiness to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with President Bola Tinubu assuring that the country is fully prepared to deliver Africa’s first edition of the event.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the assurance was given on Thursday when President Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, received the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to hosting an inclusive, diverse, and world-class Games, stressing that Africa deserves the honour after nearly a century.
“The element of inclusivity is what the Commonwealth is, and we hope that will benefit us. 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,” Gbajabiamila quoted the President as saying.
He further noted that his administration had restructured sports governance by scrapping the Ministry of Sports and replacing it with the National Sports Commission to reposition sports as a strategic driver of national development.
Tinubu assured the delegation that all infrastructural, security, and hospitality requirements would be met ahead of schedule.
Gbajabiamila, while welcoming the visitors, added: “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.”
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, also emphasized that Africa, with 21 Commonwealth nations, deserves its turn.
“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,” he said.
Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, assured that the country is prepared to deliver an environmentally sustainable Games, while Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Bid Committee, revealed that Nigeria proposes 15 sports, with football included to boost excitement and global visibility.
Responding, Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport and member of the Evaluation Committee, commended Nigeria’s enthusiasm. “I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavours, including sports,” he said.
Nigeria and India are the two official bidders for the 2030 Games, with Abuja and Ahmedabad as the proposed host cities. The Commonwealth Games General Assembly will decide the host city in November 2025.
