The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has officially confirmed that the country met the March 28 deadline for expressing interest to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja.
In a statement released on Monday in Lagos, Tony Nezianya, NOC’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed that the decision was made after the NOC’s Executive Committee meeting held on April 3 in Abuja.
“Nigeria can only commence a formal bid if the Federal Government gives its backing to the project,” Nezianya stated.
A Unique Opportunity for Nigeria
Nezianya said that Nigeria’s interest in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games provides a significant opportunity to:
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Showcase its development progress
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Strengthen its global image
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Reinvigorate the national sports culture
The last major multi-sport event Nigeria hosted was the 2003 African Games (COJA), also held in Abuja.
“That experience demonstrated Nigeria’s capability to host international events and would serve as a strong foundation for future hosting,” he added.
Economic & Social Benefits
According to the NOC, bidding and eventually hosting the Games would:
- Catalyze investment in sports infrastructure
- Create jobs in construction, logistics, hospitality, and event management
- Boost tourism and support local businesses
- Inspire young athletes and promote national unity
“This event can be a turning point for Nigeria, driving development in both sports and infrastructure,” Nezianya said.
Upcoming Major International Sports Events
Nezianya also shared an overview of major sporting events lined up globally:
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ANOCA School Sports Games – Algeria, July 5–13, 2025
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Islamic Solidarity Games – Saudi Arabia, Nov. 7–31, 2025
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ANOCA Youth Games – Luanda, Angola, Dec. 5–20, 2025
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Commonwealth Games 2026 – Glasgow, Scotland, March 17–29, 2026
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Youth Olympic Games 2026 – Dakar, Senegal, Oct. 31–Nov. 13, 2026
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Winter Olympic Games – Milano Cortina, Italy, Feb. 6–22, 2027
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African Beach Games 2027 – Equatorial Guinea
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14th African Games 2027 – Egypt, Jan. 20–Feb. 7, 2027
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Los Angeles Olympic Games 2028 – USA, July 14–30, 2028
Nezianya emphasized that these events present valuable opportunities for African countries to participate, compete, and demonstrate progress in the global sports arena.
Should Nigeria proceed with the formal bidding process—and gain Federal Government support—hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games could mark a new chapter in the country’s sports and infrastructure development, while reinforcing national pride on a global stage.
