President Bola Tinubu has described Nigeria’s ambition to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games as a “dream” that must become a reality.
In a post on his official X account on Wednesday, Tinubu highlighted that no African nation has ever hosted the Games. He said bringing the 2030 edition to Nigeria would send a strong message that Africa is essential to the future of the Commonwealth.
Nigeria is set to present its final bid before the Games’ evaluation committee on Wednesday. The delegation is led by Shehu Dikko, President of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), alongside the Commission’s Director-General, Bukola Olopade.
Backing the bid, Tinubu declared, “It’s time for Africa,” and called on the Commonwealth to “complete the circle of unity.”
The Commonwealth Games, a multi-sport event held every four years, primarily features nations that were once part of the British Empire.
In April, the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) confirmed it had met the 28 March 2025 deadline to submit its expression of interest to host the 2030 Games.
Nigeria previously lost a bid to host the 2014 Games to Glasgow. However, the NOC said the 2030 bid — centred on the capital, Abuja — offers a unique opportunity to showcase the nation’s development, boost its international profile, and revitalise its sporting culture.
Nigeria last hosted a major multi-sport competition in 2003, when Abuja staged the African Games.
The next Commonwealth Games will once again be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 17 to 29 March 2026. The event had originally been awarded to the Australian state of Victoria, but the local government withdrew due to escalating costs.