Nigeria 2030 Commonwealth Games Bid gets full support from President Tinubu, as the country aims to host Africa’s first-ever edition of the Games

The proposal for the Nigeria 2030 Commonwealth Games  has received a powerful boost, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pledged full government backing to host what would be the first-ever edition of the Games on African soil.

Also read: Nigeria’s Steel Sector Revitalization Sparks Hope for 10 Million Tonnes Production by 2030

Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, during a high-level meeting at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu assured the visiting Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee of Nigeria’s readiness and determination.

“We’re ready. We’re willing, we’re able, and we actually want this,” Tinubu declared. “It’s been 100 years and the Games have not been held on any soil in Africa. The President has written a Letter of Guarantee; his full weight is behind this bid.”

The President emphasised that Nigeria’s vision aligns with the Commonwealth’s values of diversity and inclusivity, while positioning sport as a tool for youth empowerment, unity, and national development.

In a strategic move to professionalise sports administration, Tinubu’s administration scrapped the Ministry of Sports and created a National Sports Commission, now tasked with driving the nation’s sporting ambitions.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, stressed that Africa deserves the honour, with 22 of the Commonwealth’s 56 member states based on the continent.

“The President views this bid as a celebration of Nigeria’s growing sporting stature,” he added.

Nigeria’s delegation presented a comprehensive and environmentally sustainable proposal, including 15 sporting events and the introduction of football to enhance global engagement.

Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Bid Committee, revealed detailed plans to deliver world-class infrastructure, with full guarantees on security, accommodation, and event logistics.

Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, promised that the Games would leave a lasting legacy for the nation’s youth and elevate sports culture nationwide.

Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance, who led the visiting team, expressed admiration for the passion and preparations shown by the Nigerian team.

He noted that the centenary of the Commonwealth Games in 2030 would be a milestone occasion, with diversity and inclusion set to shape the final selection process.

Abuja and India’s Ahmedabad remain the two cities officially bidding to host the 2030 edition, with a final decision expected at the Commonwealth Games General Assembly in November 2025.

Also read: UK Lifts Kaduna Travel Ban After Security Progress

The bid has already sparked excitement across the country, as Nigeria looks to make history and deliver a transformational Games for Africa.