President Bola Tinubu has assured the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee that Nigeria is fully prepared to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Receiving the delegation in Abuja yesterday, Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, said Nigeria is making a determined push to become the first African nation to stage the Games.
He stressed that his administration has thrown its full weight behind the bid, pledging an inclusive, diverse, and world-class sporting event.
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In a strategic session with the team led by Darren Hall, the Commonwealth’s Director of Games and Assurance, Gbajabiamila delivered a letter of guarantee from the President, underscoring the government’s full commitment.
“What I can assure you is that we’re ready. We’re willing, we’re able, and we actually want this,” he said, describing the bid as historic.
He noted that the Games have never been held in Africa since their inception in 1930. Although South Africa’s Durban had secured the 2022 hosting rights, it later withdrew due to financial difficulties, with Birmingham, UK, stepping in.
Gbajabiamila emphasised that Tinubu’s government has introduced significant reforms to reposition sports as a key driver of national development.
Among them was the scrapping of the Ministry of Sports and its replacement with the National Sports Commission (NSC), designed to streamline sports management and development.
He further assured the committee that Nigeria would deliver on all infrastructure, security, and hospitality requirements well before schedule.
Supporting the bid, Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC, argued that Africa, with 21 Commonwealth member nations, deserves the honour.
Nigeria, as the continent’s largest economy, is best placed to host. He added that the President views the Games as a celebration of Nigeria’s rising global sporting profile.
Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Bid Committee, gave a detailed presentation outlining Nigeria’s proposal, which features 15 sports and the innovative inclusion of football to boost global visibility and audience engagement.
Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, also affirmed the country’s readiness to host an environmentally sustainable Games.
In response, Darren Hall thanked the Nigerian delegation for their warm reception and praised the passion and enthusiasm of the Nigerian people.
He said the Commonwealth, now comprising 56 nations, is committed to enhancing diversity as it approaches its centenary.
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Abuja is currently in contention with Ahmedabad, India, to host the 2030 Games.
The Commonwealth Games General Assembly will make its final decision in November 2025 after a comprehensive evaluation of both bids.
