Nigeria has taken a significant step toward hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, meeting the March 28, 2025, deadline to express interest in the bidding process.
The announcement came following an executive committee meeting of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) on April 3, 2025, in Abuja. However, the country’s formal bid hinges on securing approval from the Federal Government.
Tony Nezianya, NOC’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized the transformative potential of hosting the Games in Abuja. “Nigeria’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games presents a unique opportunity to showcase our development, elevate our global standing, and energize our sports culture,” he said in a statement. The event could serve as a catalyst for progress, spotlighting Nigeria’s capabilities on an international stage.
Nigeria’s last major multi-sport hosting experience came in 2003 with the African Games (COJA 2003) in Abuja, an event that demonstrated the nation’s organizational prowess. Building on that foundation, the NOC believes Nigeria is well-positioned to manage the logistics, hospitality, and infrastructure demands of the Commonwealth Games.
Beyond infrastructure, hosting the Games promises broader economic and social benefits. Upgrades to sports venues, transportation, and accommodations would not only support the event but also boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate local businesses.
The preparation and execution phases are expected to generate opportunities in event management, construction, and hospitality, fostering skills development and enterprise.
The NOC also sees the Games as a unifying force, promoting national pride and celebrating Nigeria’s cultural diversity. “It would inspire a new generation of athletes and position Nigeria as a nation that values athletic achievement,” Nezianya added, highlighting the potential to motivate young talent and elevate the country’s sports profile.
Nigeria’s bid comes amid a busy calendar of international sporting events. The Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) School Sports Games are slated for July 5-13, 2025, in Algeria, followed by the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia from November 7-31, 2025. Angola will host the ANOCA Youth Games in Luanda from December 5-20, 2025. Looking further ahead, Glasgow, Scotland, will host the next Commonwealth Games from March 17-29, 2026—a event that follows their successful 2014 hosting, the year Nigeria lost its bid to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Africa is also making strides in global sports, with Dakar, Senegal, set to host the Youth Olympic Games from October 31 to November 13, 2026—the first time the continent will stage this event. Other notable upcoming events include the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy (February 6-22, 2027), the African Beach Games in Equatorial Guinea (2027), and the 14th African Games in Egypt (January 20-February 7, 2027).
The Los Angeles Olympic Games will follow in 2028 (July 14-30), with a U.S. city yet to be named for the 2028 Winter Olympics.