Nigeria expresses interest in 2030 Commonwealth Games

Posted : 07 April 2025

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) on Monday stated that Nigeria has met the deadline for expressing interest in bidding for the Commonwealth Games in 2030, to be held in Abuja.

Tony Nezianya, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the NOC, made the announcement in Lagos.

He stated that after emerging from its executive committee meeting on April 3 in Abuja, the NOC confirmed that it had met the March 28 deadline for submitting expressions of interest for the bid process.

"Nigeria can only commence a formal bid if the Federal Government provides backing for the project," Nezianya said.

The NOC spokesperson added that Nigeria’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja would 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) in Abuja.

"The country used the platform to demonstrate its capability and commitment to organizing large-scale international events. That experience will provide a solid foundation for Nigeria to host again, showcasing its ability to manage the logistics, hospitality, and infrastructure development required for such events."

"This would also provide a compelling narrative for the nation's progress and readiness," Nezianya said.

He also noted that the bid process would enhance investment in sports infrastructure.

"Bidding for the Games can catalyze investments in sports infrastructure and facilities across the country, particularly in Abuja, which can revitalize the local sports economy and improve national sports facilities for future generations.

"Hosting the Games would initiate the construction and upgrading of sports venues, transportation systems, and accommodations, creating lasting benefits for the sports community and the general population.

"This can significantly boost tourism by attracting visitors from around the world. This influx would undoubtedly support local businesses, create jobs, and boost the hospitality sector," he said.

Nezianya added that the preparation and execution phases of the Games would generate numerous jobs, from event management to construction, fostering local enterprise and skills development.

"It would inspire a new generation of athletes by providing them with the motivation and support to pursue excellence in sports.

"It positions Nigeria as a country that values athletic achievement and fosters talent.

"It will serve as a compelling force for national unity by fostering peace and facilitating Nigeria's cultural diversity."

Meanwhile, other significant events on the schedule include the African Olympic Committees (ANOCA) School Sports Games in Algeria, to be held from July 5 to July 13, he said.

Nezianya also added that the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia are scheduled to take place from November 7 to November 31, 2025.

"Conversely, Angola will host the ANOCA Youth Games in Luanda between December 5 and December 20 this year.

"The next Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2026, from March 17 to March 29, 2026.

"Indeed, the Scots were the eventual hosts of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which could have served as the centennial Games of the amalgamation of Nigeria’s southern and northern protectorates.

"Nigeria lost the bid to host the Games in Colombo, Sri Lanka," he said.

Nezianya also disclosed that Africa has been awarded the Youth Olympic Games for the first time, with Dakar, Senegal, winning the right to host the Games from October 31 to November 13, 2026.

"However, Milano Cortina won the right to host the Winter Olympic Games from February 6 to February 22, 2027, while Equatorial Guinea was named to host the African Beach Games in 2027.

"Egypt will host the 14th African Games from January 20 to February 7, 2027.

"The quadrennial will be rounded up with the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028, in the USA, from July 14 to July 30, 2028.

"The Winter Olympics will take place in the US in 2028 at a yet-to-be-determined city," he concluded.

Nigeria expresses interest in 2030 Commonwealth Games

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