Nigeria has officially met the deadline to express interest in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja, marking a bold step toward bringing the prestigious multi-sport event to West Africa for the first time.

 

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), in a statement issued after its Executive Committee meeting held on April 3, 2025, in Abuja, confirmed that it submitted the expression of interest before the March 28, 2025 deadline.

 

However, a formal bid can only proceed if the Federal Government fully backs the initiative.

 

According to Tony Nezianya, the Public Relations Officer of the NOC, the bid to host the Games presents a “unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s development, enhance its global image, and energize its sports culture.” He also noted that Nigeria’s previous experience hosting the African Games in 2003 (COJA 2003) provides a solid foundation for organizing a successful global event.

 

Hosting the Commonwealth Games would likely trigger significant investments in sports infrastructure, particularly in Abuja, and could boost the local sports economy. Venues, transportation systems, and accommodations would undergo development and upgrades, leaving behind a lasting legacy that benefits both athletes and the general population.

 

The bid is expected to promote tourism, create jobs across sectors, support local businesses, and enhance national unity by celebrating Nigeria’s cultural diversity. It also aims to inspire a new generation of athletes by showing the nation’s commitment to sports and excellence.

 

In the broader sporting calendar, several major events are on the horizon:

• ANOCA School Sports Games in Algeria (July 5–13, 2025)

• Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia (November 7–31, 2025)

• ANOCA Youth Games in Luanda, Angola (December 5–20, 2025)

• 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland (March 17–29, 2026)

• Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal (October 31–November 13, 2026)

• Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina, Italy (February 6–22, 2027)

• African Beach Games in Equatorial Guinea (2027)

• 14th African Games in Egypt (January 20–February 7, 2027)

• Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA (July 14–30, 2028)

• Winter Olympics in the USA (2028, city TBD)

 

If successful, Nigeria’s bid would mark a historic first for the continent, bringing the Commonwealth Games to African soil and cementing the country’s place as a hub for international sports.