Thursday September 18, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, assuring that the country will deliver a world-class event if given the opportunity.
Receiving the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee in Abuja on Thursday, September 18, President Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, said Nigeria is committed to staging an inclusive and historic Games, the first on African soil since the competition began in 1930.
“It’s been almost 100 years. The Games have not been held on any soil in Africa. What I can assure you is that we’re ready, we’re willing, we’re able, and we actually want this,” Gbajabiamila said, conveying the President’s message of support.
President Tinubu explained that his administration has repositioned the sports sector by replacing the Ministry of Sports with the National Sports Commission to drive development. He pledged that all infrastructural, security, and hospitality needs for the Games would be met ahead of schedule, adding that Nigeria’s bid was aimed at leaving “a legacy for youth and national development.”
The delegation, led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport, was presented with Nigeria’s proposal, which includes 15 sports and the introduction of football to boost excitement and global visibility.
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, argued that Africa deserves to host the event, with Nigeria as the continent’s strongest candidate. Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, said the country is prepared to stage an environmentally sustainable Games.
Nigeria and India are the two official bidders for the 2030 Games, with Abuja and Ahmedabad proposed as host cities. The Commonwealth Games General Assembly will announce the winning bid in November 2025.
