Africa has never hosted the Games since their inception in 1930. Nigeria made an unsuccessful bid to host the 2014 Games. The city of Durban in South Africa won the bid to host the 2022 Games, but could not do so due to financial difficulties. Birmingham in the UK took over and hosted the Games. Thus, Nigeria’s bid to host the 2030 Games would be historic, Onanuga stated.
In his welcome remarks, Gbajabiamila called on the visitors to savour Nigeria’s renowned hospitality: “You’re very welcome to Nigeria. I hope you enjoy our great hospitality, which we are known for. Mr President also asked me personally to convey his regards; he fully supports this bid.”
“The President has written a Letter of Guarantee to you; his full weight is behind this bid. What I can assure you is that 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.
“Nigeria ready to host Africa’s First Commonwealth Games in 2030-President Tinubu assures,” said Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, in a statement he signed on Thursday.
Commonwealth Sport’s Director of Games and Assurance, Darren Hall, and a member of the 2030 Evaluation Commission led the group in strategic discussions with Gbajabiamila and a robust Federal Government team of ministers and senior government officials.
President Tinubu emphasized that the Commonwealth promotes diversity and togetherness and that, after almost a century, Africa merits its place.
“The Commonwealth is the element of inclusivity, and we hope that will benefit us,” he said.
President Tinubu emphasized that after realizing sports’ strategic importance in advancing national development, his administration has implemented several daring changes to reposition the sport.
In an effort to promote sports growth, he noted, he abolished the Ministry of Sports and established the National Sports Commission in its place.
The President also gave the group his word that all security, hospitality, and infrastructure requirements will be satisfied early. He emphasized that Nigeria’s candidacy aims to leave a legacy for youth and national development in addition to hosting.
Shehu Dikko, the chairman of the National Sports Commission, argued persuasively for Nigeria over India, emphasizing that there are 22 Commonwealth countries in Africa and that Nigeria, as the continent’s largest, should be given the honor.
“I want to reassure you that, should we win the bid, the President views the hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2030 as a celebration of the nation’s expanding influence in sports, which goes beyond mere participation.”
Habu Gumel, president of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, stated that the nation is prepared to host a Games that are environmentally sustainable.
Nigeria’s proposal was delivered by Mainasara Illo, the chairman of the bid committee, who highlighted the country’s major initiatives and goals.
He disclosed that Nigeria has proposed 15 sports, including football, to increase audience involvement, excitement, and worldwide visibility.
Thanking President Tinubu and the Nigerian team for their cordial welcome, Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance, expressed gratitude.
“The Nigerian people’s passion for everything, including sports, has thrilled me the most.”
As it nears its 100th anniversary, he said, the Commonwealth, which currently consists of 56 countries, strives for more diversity.
Those who attended the meeting and spoke in favor of the bid included Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammad Idris, Minister of Aviation Festus Kayamo, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, and Minister of Police Affairs Ibrahim Gaidam.
India and Nigeria are the two official contenders for the 2030 Games, and their suggested host cities are Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and Abuja.
In November 2025, the Commonwealth Games General Assembly will select the host city following a careful review of both proposals.
