By Kabiru Abdulrauf,
Nigeria is making a bold pitch to bring one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles, the Commonwealth Games to Africa for the very first time, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Nigeria’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games a “dream that must be realised.”
In a post on his official X account, the president declared, “It is time for Africa. After 100 years of the Commonwealth Games, they have never been hosted on African soil. By bringing the Commonwealth Centenary Games to Nigeria, you will send a powerful message that every region of the Commonwealth matters.”
Nigeria’s delegation, led by Nigeria Sports Commission President Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, will present the country’s final bid to the Games’ evaluation committee. If successful, Abuja — the nation’s capital — will host the Games, marking a historic first for the continent.
The Commonwealth Games, held every four years, brings together athletes from over 70 nations and territories linked by history to the United Kingdom. For Nigeria, hosting would be more than just a sporting event — it’s a chance to boost tourism, showcase infrastructure development, energise its youth population, and strengthen its place on the global stage.
Nigeria last hosted a major multi-sport event in 2003, when Abuja welcomed the African Games. A successful bid would see the city become the centre of global attention once again, two decades later.
It’s also a second shot at glory. Nigeria lost its bid to host the 2014 edition to Glasgow. This time, officials are determined not to miss out, arguing that Abuja’s facilities, security measures, and experience from past events make it ready for the challenge.
The final decision will rest with the Commonwealth Games Federation, which will weigh Nigeria’s case against other potential hosts. If Nigeria wins, it will not only celebrate a sporting milestone but also send a strong message that Africa is ready to take its place in the Commonwealth’s future.
