Abuja, April 9, 2025 — Nigeria has officially expressed interest in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in its capital city, Abuja, meeting the March 28 deadline set by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) for countries wishing to participate in the bidding process.
The announcement was made by the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) following its executive committee meeting held on April 3 in Abuja.
According to a statement signed by the NOC’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya, the expression of interest marks a significant step towards Nigeria’s ambition of bringing the multi-sport spectacle to West Africa for the first time.
However, the formal bid process can only proceed if the Federal Government of Nigeria gives its official endorsement and financial backing to the project.
“This initiative presents a unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s development, enhance its global standing, and invigorate its sports culture,” the NOC statement noted.
The prospect of Abuja hosting the Commonwealth Games is not without precedent. The city last staged a major multi-sport event when it hosted the African Games in 2003, known then as COJA 2003.
That event was widely considered a success, with Nigeria demonstrating its capability to organise large-scale international sporting competitions.
The NOC believes that the 2003 experience provides a solid foundation and valuable institutional knowledge for hosting an event of the Commonwealth Games’ magnitude.
“Hosting the 2030 Games would allow Nigeria to demonstrate its readiness and growth while providing an inspiring narrative of national progress,” the statement read.
In addition to the prestige and visibility that comes with hosting the Games, the NOC emphasized the potential long-term benefits to infrastructure, tourism, and the national sports economy.
A successful bid could stimulate significant investments in sports infrastructure and facilities across the country.
Abuja, in particular, stands to benefit from upgrades to stadiums, transport networks, and accommodations, laying the groundwork for sustainable urban development.
The Games would also act as a catalyst for revitalizing local sports by providing world-class venues for athletes and encouraging youth participation in athletics and related fields.
Moreover, the hosting of an international event of this scale is expected to boost tourism, drawing visitors from across the Commonwealth and beyond.
This influx would have a ripple effect on the local economy—supporting businesses, creating employment opportunities, and expanding Nigeria’s hospitality and services sector.
As Nigeria waits for the federal government’s final decision on endorsing the bid, stakeholders in the sports and tourism sectors have begun expressing cautious optimism.
Many see the 2030 Commonwealth Games as an opportunity to reposition Nigeria on the global sporting stage and to leverage the event for long-term economic and social development.
If successful, Nigeria would become the first country in West Africa to host the Commonwealth Games, joining a select group of nations that have used the event to leave lasting legacies.
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