NIGERIA SET TO HOST AFRICA’S FIRST COMMONWEALTH GAMES IN 2030 AS PRESIDENT TINUBU ASSURES COMMITMENT

Nigeria has expressed strong commitment to hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, welcoming the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to Abuja on Thursday. Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, in a statement confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s assurance of Nigeria’s readiness to host an inclusive and world-class Games on African soil for the first time.

Bayo Onanuga highlighted President Tinubu’s emphasis that the Commonwealth champions unity and diversity, and Africa deserves this moment after nearly a century since the Games began in 1930. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff, represented President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, receiving the delegation led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport. “You’re very welcome to Nigeria. I hope you enjoy our great hospitality… Mr President fully supports this bid,” Gbajabiamila said.

Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s Letter of Guarantee, stressing Nigeria’s readiness: “We’re ready. We’re willing, we’re able, and we actually want this. It’s been almost 100 years. The games have not been held on any soil in Africa.” Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, argued Nigeria deserves the honour, noting Africa has 22 Commonwealth nations.

President Tinubu, via Gbajabiamila, highlighted reforms repositioning sports as a strategic driver of national development, including scrapping the Ministry of Sports for the National Sports Commission. Bayo Onanuga noted the President assured infrastructural, security, and hospitality needs will be met. Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, said the country aims for environmentally sustainable Games.

Nigeria proposes 15 sports including football for the 2030 Games in Abuja, aiming for legacy and youth development. Darren Hall thanked Nigeria for their warm welcome, noting the Commonwealth’s aim for greater diversity approaching 100 years. Nigeria and India are bidders; the host will be decided by the Commonwealth Games General Assembly in November 2025. Bayo Onanuga confirmed ministerial support with attendees like Ministers Muhammed Idris, Festus Kayamo, and Hannatu Musa Musawa backing the bid.