President Bola Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s commitment to hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which would make the country the first African nation to stage the century-old sporting event.
The 2030 edition will mark 100 years since the inaugural Games held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930. Nigeria has nominated Abuja as its host city, while India has put forward Ahmedabad. Both countries submitted their bids before the August 31 deadline, according to Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare.
In a statement shared on his official social media accounts, Tinubu urged the Commonwealth to recognise Africa’s role in the future of the Games.
“After 100 years of the Commonwealth Games, they have never been hosted on African soil,” Tinubu wrote. “By bringing the centenary Games to Nigeria in 2030, you will send a powerful message that every region of the Commonwealth matters, and that Africa is central to its future.”
Nigeria presented its bid on Wednesday to the Commonwealth Games Federation in London. The delegation, led by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, outlined themes including sports excellence, cultural exchange, youth development, and creative industry growth.
Last week, members of the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee visited Abuja as part of the assessment process. The delegation was received at the Aso Rock Villa by Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, on behalf of the president.
The Commonwealth Games Federation is expected to make a decision on the 2030 host city after completing its evaluation of the bids later this year
