By Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to host a world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Abuja bidding to become the first African city to stage the historic event.
Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, gave the assurance on Thursday during a visit by the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to hosting an inclusive and diverse Games that would leave a lasting legacy.
“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,” Gbajabiamila said. “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 and the Games have not been held on African soil.”
The President’s letter of guarantee to the Committee pledged that infrastructure, security, and hospitality needs would be delivered ahead of schedule. He also underscored sports as a driver of national development, noting reforms such as the creation of the National Sports Commission to replace the Ministry of Sports.
Chairman of the Commission, Shehu Dikko, argued that Nigeria’s bid was stronger than India’s, pointing out that Africa has 22 Commonwealth nations. “Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, deserves the honour,” he said.
Habu Gumel, President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, added that the country was ready to host an environmentally sustainable Games, while Bid Committee Chairman Mainasara Ilo unveiled Nigeria’s proposal for 15 sports, including football, to boost global visibility and engagement.
Darren Hall, Commonwealth Director of Games and Assurance, praised Nigeria’s hospitality and passion for sports, noting that the Commonwealth, now with 56 member nations, was seeking greater diversity as it marks its centenary.
Top government officials at the meeting included the Ministers of Information, Aviation, Culture, Police Affairs, and Housing, all of whom pledged support in their respective sectors to guarantee a successful Games.
The evaluation delegation, on a four-day visit, will meet stakeholders and inspect facilities in Abuja, which is competing with Ahmedabad, India, for hosting rights. The Commonwealth Games General Assembly is expected to announce the winning bid in November 2025 after completing its review.
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