Nigeria hosts Commonwealth Games bid committee in Abuja, reaffirms 2030 ambition

The leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to hosting the first-ever Commonwealth Games on African soil in 2030.

During the high-level visit, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to bringing the Commonwealth Games to the continent.

Speaking at the welcome event, Dikko emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong support for the bid, describing it as a significant move toward greater inclusivity within the Commonwealth sporting community.

“We are very happy to welcome you to Nigeria, and we hope to show you not just our beautiful city of Abuja, but also the seriousness with which we are pursuing the 2030 Games,” Dikko said.

He added: “President Tinubu sees the opportunity to host the Games not only as a celebration of our sporting excellence but as a statement of Nigeria’s growing leadership in global sports.”

Director General Olopade echoed this optimism, noting that Nigeria’s bid reflects all the key ingredients required for a successful Games—world-class facilities, strong political will, enthusiastic public support, and robust private sector backing.

“The key elements of a bid of this magnitude are already in place,” Olopade said. “We have assembled a capable bid committee led by Mainasara Illo and developed a comprehensive bid document. With the engagements planned during the visit of the Evaluation Committee, led by Darren Hall, we are confident Nigeria is on track to secure the 2030 Games.”

As further evidence of the government’s commitment, the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, also hosted the Commonwealth delegation on behalf of President Tinubu, reinforcing Nigeria’s seriousness about hosting the Games.