President Bola Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, appealing to the global body to make history by awarding the centenary edition to Africa for the first time.
The 2030 Games will mark 100 years since the inaugural edition in Hamilton, Canada. Nigeria and India are the only two countries bidding to host, after meeting the August 31 deadline. Abuja has been proposed as Nigeria’s host city, while India put forward Ahmedabad.
In a statement shared on his official social media pages, Tinubu described Nigeria as the “gateway to Africa” and urged the Commonwealth to recognise the continent’s central role in the Games’ future.
“After 100 years of the Commonwealth Games, they have never been hosted on African soil,” he wrote.
“By bringing the centenary Games to Nigeria in 2030, you will send a powerful message that every region of the Commonwealth matters. Africa is not only part of the story but central to its future.”
On Wednesday, Nigeria made an advanced presentation to the Commonwealth Games Federation in London, led by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade. The delegation outlined a bid focused on sports excellence, cultural exchange, the creative economy, and youth development.
Last week, the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee visited Abuja, where Tinubu represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila formally received the delegation at the Presidential Villa.
Nigeria’s campaign emphasises that hosting the 2030 edition would leave a lasting legacy for both the Commonwealth and the African continent.