By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria has formally entered the bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja.
This was disclosed by the Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezieanya of the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) in a statement, made available to Heritage Times HT on Monday.
Part of the statement reads, “The Commonwealth Games, Nigeria, has met the deadline for expression of interest to bid for the Commonwealth Games in 2030 in Abuja.
“The Nigeria Olympic Committee, emerged from its executive committee meeting on April 3, 2025, in Abuja to say it had met the March 28, 2025 deadline for expression of interest for a bid process.
“Nigeria can only commence a formal bid, if the Federal Government gives a backing to the project.
“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) in Anuja.
“A bid process would enhance an investment in Sports Infrastructure as bidding for the Games can catalyse investments in sports infrastructure and facilities across the country, particularly in Abuja, which can revitalise 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.
“The preparation and execution phases of the Games will 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,” the statement added.
2025 Sporting Schedule
Meanwhile, other significant events on the schedule include the Olympic Committees of African (ANOCA) School Sports’ Games in Algeria, to be staged from July 5 to July 13, 2025.
The Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia are also scheduled to run from November 7 to November 31, 2025.
Conversely, Angola will host the ANOCA Youth Games Luanda between December 5 and December December 20, 2025.
The next Commonwealth between March 17 and 29, 2026 will be hosted in Glasgow, Scotland.
Nigeria had lost the bid to host the Games in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Youth Olympic Games
Africa was awarded the Youth Olympic Games for the first time and it will be held in Dakar, Senegal October 31 to November 13, 2026.
However, Milano Cortina won to host the Winter Olympic Games from February 6 to February 22, 2027.
Equatorial Guinea was named to host the African Beach Games in 2027.
Then, Egypt would host the 14th African Games, Egypt from January 20 to February 7, 2027.
The quadrannial would be rounded up with the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028 in the USA, from July 14 to July 30, 2028.
