President Bola Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Abuja being proposed as the preferred host city. If successful, Nigeria would become the first African nation to stage the Games since their inception in 1930.
The 2030 edition carries special significance as it will mark the centenary of the Commonwealth Games, which began in Hamilton, Canada.
Earlier this month, Commonwealth Sports president Donald Rukare confirmed that Nigeria and India were the only two countries to submit bids before the August 31 deadline, with India proposing Ahmedabad as its host city.
In a passionate appeal to the Commonwealth community, Tinubu called for Africa’s inclusion at the highest level of the Games’ history. “To the Commonwealth family, it is time for Africa,” Tinubu said in a message posted on his official social media accounts.
“After 100 years of the Commonwealth Games, they have never been hosted on African soil. By bringing the Commonwealth centenary Games to Nigeria in 2030, you will send a powerful message that every region of the Commonwealth matters, and that Africa is not only part of the story, but central to its future.
Nigeria is the gateway. Africa is the stage. The Commonwealth is the family. Let us make history together in 2030. Let us complete the circle of Commonwealth unity. The dream must be realised. The time is now.”
On Wednesday, a Nigerian delegation led by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade delivered an advanced presentation to the Commonwealth Games Federation in London.
The team described Nigeria’s bid as an opportunity to promote sports excellence, cultural exchange, and the creative economy, while shaping the future of African youth.
Last Thursday, Abuja also played host to the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee in another step towards realising the 2030 dream. President Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, formally received the delegation at the Aso Rock Villa.
With competition from India expected to be fierce, Nigeria is banking on the symbolic significance of hosting the Games in Africa for the first time to bolster its historic bid.
