Ofure Akhigbe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, declared Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, pledging that the country will deliver the centenary edition of the global sporting event with full government backing. In a statement shared on his official social media platform, the President described the bid as both historic and symbolic, noting that Africa has never hosted the Games since their inception in 1930. He urged the Commonwealth family to seize the opportunity to mark 100 years by awarding the Games to Africa, saying Nigeria would serve as the gateway to the continent.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu told a delegation of the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee in Abuja that the government has already issued a letter of guarantee to support the bid. He assured that all infrastructure, security, and hospitality needs would be met well ahead of schedule. He also highlighted ongoing reforms in the sector, including the abolition of the Ministry of Sports and its replacement with a National Sports Commission, which he said would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to deliver a world-class tournament.
The announcement has been welcomed by key sports stakeholders. Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the newly established commission, said Nigeria deserved the chance to host the Games, pointing out that the country is Africa’s most populous nation and a key member of the Commonwealth. Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, added that the Games would be organised with environmental sustainability in mind, while African Union Sports Ministers have also thrown their weight behind the bid, describing it as an important milestone for the continent.
However, the bid has also attracted caution. Observers note that the scale of the event will test Nigeria’s infrastructure, security, and financial capacity. Critics on social media questioned whether such a massive investment should be prioritised given the country’s economic challenges, while others expressed concern about continuity of political will and whether the Games could be delivered within the tight timeframe. Nigeria will also face competition from India, which has submitted a rival proposal with Ahmedabad as its host city. The Commonwealth Games General Assembly is expected to make its final decision on the 2030 host in November 2025.
If successful, Nigeria would become the first African country to host the Commonwealth Games, a landmark that President Tinubu says will not only unite the continent but also showcase its potential on the global stage.