Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced Nigeria’s readiness to host a world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games if granted the hosting right.

‎Tinubu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, during a visit by the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to the Presidential Vila, Abuja, noted that Nigeria will become the first African nation to achieve this historic milestone of hosting the Games.

‎‎The Nigerian leader reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to hosting an inclusive, diverse, and world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games on African soil. ‎‎Tinubu emphasized that the Commonwealth Champions unity and diversity, and Africa deserves its moment after nearly a century.

‎‎The games have never been hosted in Africa since inception in 1930, making Nigeria’s bid historic and overdue.

‎‎”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’s fully in support of this bid.”

‎‎”As I said the President has written a Letter of guarantee to you, he’s 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 100 years… The games have not been held on any soil in Africa.”

‎The element of inclusivity is what Commonwealth is, and we hope that to our benefit.

‎‎‎President Tinubu assured the delegation that all infrastructure, security, and hospitality needs will be met ahead of schedule.

‎‎He stressed that Nigeria’s bid is not just about hosting, but leaving a legacy for youth and national development.

‎‎In his speech at the meeting, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, made a strong case for Nigeria over India, stressing that Africa has 22 Commonwealth nations and that Nigeria as the giant of Africa deserves the honour.

‎‎”One thing I want to assure you is that the President sees the hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, if we win the bid, as a celebration of the country’s growing force in sports, beyond just participation.”

‎The President of Commonwealth Sport, Nigeria, Habu Gumel, said in his remarks, that Nigeria was ready to host environmentally sustainable Games.

‎‎In his presentation, Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Bid Committee, highlighted key plans and innovations, indicating that Nigeria proposes 15 sports, with football introduced to boost excitement, global visibility and audience engagement.

‎‎Responding, Darren Hall, Commonwealth Director of Games and Assurance, thanked President Tinubu and the Nigerian team for their warm welcome.

‎‎“I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavors, including sports.”

‎‎He stated that the Commonwealth, now comprising 56 nations, is aiming for greater diversity as it approaches its 100-year milestone.

‎‎‎According to local media reports, the delegation will during its four-day visit, meet with key stakeholders and inspect key facilities in Nigeria.

‎‎The reports added that Nigeria and India are the two official bidders for the 2030 Games, with Abuja and Ahmedabad as the proposed cities to host the Games.

‎“‎The Commonwealth Games General Assembly will decide the host city in November 2025, after thorough evaluation of the two bids,” the reports added.