In a landmark push, President Bola Tinubu has vocally championed Nigeria’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in the capital city of Abuja, positioning the effort as a historic first for Africa and a significant opportunity for the continent’s global sporting and development profile. Speaking to the Commonwealth family on his official X account on September 24, 2025, President Tinubu declared that after 100 years of Commonwealth Games history, the event has never been held on African soil—a gap Nigeria is determined to close.

“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 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,” Tinubu said. “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”.

Nigeria’s bid is overseen by a high-powered delegation including Shehu Dikko, President of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), and Bukola Olopade, the Commission’s Director-General. The delegation recently made a final presentation at the Commonwealth Games headquarters in London, a crucial step in the evaluation process toward hosting rights. Abuja last hosted a major multi-sport continental event in 2003 when it staged the African Games, signifying a return to large-scale sporting event hosting.

The Commonwealth Games, held every four years, brings together primarily former British territories for a multi-sport event showcasing athletic excellence and cultural camaraderie. The 2030 edition is especially symbolic because it marks the Commonwealth Games centenary—a milestone that Nigeria hopes to anchor by hosting on the African continent for the very first time.

Experts and sports advocates emphasize that bringing the Games to Nigeria and Africa would not only spotlight the continent’s hosting capabilities but also create enduring legacies in infrastructure development, youth engagement, and economic stimulation. Hosting the Games would foster national pride, boost tourism, and inspire generations of African athletes.

Sports analyst Chika Obikwelu notes, “Nigeria hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games would be a defining moment for African sport. It signals Africa’s rightful place on the global sporting map. Beyond the event itself, the infrastructural investments and international exposure will catalyze growth in our sports ecosystem and economy.”

The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) has been instrumental in coordinating efforts and had met the necessary deadlines to express formal interest earlier in 2025. The bid emphasizes Abuja’s readiness, highlighting modern facilities and government commitment to supporting the Games.

Nigeria previously bid unsuccessfully for the 2014 Commonwealth Games but sees the 2030 Games as a perfect moment especially since the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games will again be in Glasgow, Scotland, after the Australian city of Victoria withdrew due to escalating costs.

If successful, Nigeria’s hosting would complete a symbolic circle in Commonwealth unity, placing Africa literally and figuratively at the center stage of this storied event for the first time.

Looking ahead, the Commonwealth Games Federation’s decision will follow thorough review of bids presented by competing nations. For Nigeria, the next steps involve continuing property upgrades, rallying national support, and preparing for what could become Africa’s most prestigious international sporting event.

The bid’s broader impact promises not only to elevate Nigerian and African sport but also to underscore Africa’s vital role within the Commonwealth family—and beyond. As President Tinubu aptly put it, the dream to host the Commonwealth Games on African soil “must be realised” with the “time [being] now”.