18 years after, Nigeria shows interest to host 2030 Commonwealth Games

Eighteen years after it failed to win the hosting right for the 2014 Commonwealth Games at a bid process held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Nigeria has once again expressed interest in hosting the competition.

Yesterday, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) revealed that the country has met the deadline to express interest in hosting the 2030 edition of the competition in Abuja.

Nigeria’s bid in 2007, tagged African bid, was led by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, supported by then Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, former Sports Minister, Abdulrahman Gimba, Dr Amos Adamu and the late Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Desmond Tutu, who appealed that “A vote for Abuja means a vote for whole of Africa.”

Glasgow, Scotland, eventually won the hosting right for the 2014 Games. The Commonwealth Games committee invited Nigeria to bid for the 2018 edition, but Nigeria did not heed the call.

However, the NOC said in a statement yesterday that it has met the March 28, 2025, deadline for expressing interest in a bid process.

Nigeria can only commence a formal bid if the Federal Government backs the project.

The statement by NOC’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya, noted that Nigeria’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja will present a unique opportunity to showcase its development, enhance its global standing, and invigorate its sports culture.

Nigeria last hosted a major multi-sport event – the African Games – in 2003 (COJA 2003) hosted in Anuja.

The country used the platform to demonstrate its capability and commitment to organising large-scale international events.

The statement said that the Abuja experience will provide a solid foundation for Nigeria to host again, showcasing its ability to manage the logistics, hospitality,