President Bola Tinubu has declared it is Nigeria’s—and Africa’s—time to host the Commonwealth Games, as a high-powered delegation advanced the nation’s bid for the 2030 edition during a presentation in London.
Asserting that the centenary Games should be held on African soil, Tinubu endorsed the campaign for Abuja to host the event, which would mark the first time an African nation stages the competition in 100 years.
The Nigerian delegation, led by National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, outlined an ambitious vision for the Games, framing it as an opportunity to foster a shared legacy that epitomises the Commonwealth spirit.
The bid promises to be all-inclusive, focusing on sports excellence, cultural exchange, and youth development. It is designed to bring people together through the power of sport, reaching across gender, disability, culture, ethnicity, age, and background.
Key members of the delegation included Bid Coordinator Mallam Mainasara Ilo, Nigerian Olympic Committee President Engr. Habu Gumel, Minister of Arts and Culture Hannatu Musawa, and sporting icons such as former Olympian Mary Onyali and world number-one para-badminton player Eniola Bolaji.
The proposal aligns with core Commonwealth values—Humanity, Equality, and Destiny—by offering Africa a long-overdue opportunity to host, promising to transform lives, and positioning the Games as a defining moment for the next century of the Commonwealth.
Nigeria previously bid to host the 2014 Games but lost to Glasgow. This renewed effort, backed by presidential support and a comprehensive plan, aims to realise what Tinubu described as Nigeria’s Commonwealth dream.
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