The Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) announced on Monday that Nigeria has successfully met the deadline to submit its expression of interest to bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, to be hosted in Abuja. The announcement, made by NOC Public Relations Officer Tony Nezianya, follows the NOC’s executive committee meeting held on April 3rd in Abuja.
While the expression of interest has been submitted within the March 28th deadline, Nezianya emphasized that proceeding with a formal bid hinges on receiving the full backing of the federal government.
According to the NOC, hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja would offer Nigeria a valuable opportunity to showcase its progress, elevate its international profile, and invigorate its sporting culture. Nigeria previously hosted the African Games in 2003, also in Abuja, demonstrating its capability to manage large-scale international events. This prior experience, the NOC believes, provides a solid foundation for a successful bid.
“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,” Nezianya stated.
The NOC anticipates that a successful bid would catalyze significant investment in sports infrastructure and facilities across the country, particularly in Abuja, revitalizing the local sports economy and improving national sports facilities for future generations. This includes the construction and upgrading of sports venues, transportation systems, and accommodations, creating lasting benefits for both the sports community and the general population.
Furthermore, the NOC highlighted the potential boost to tourism, job creation, and skills development that the Games would bring. The event is also seen as an opportunity to inspire a new generation of athletes and foster national unity.
In addition to the Commonwealth Games bid, Nezianya outlined a series of other significant upcoming sporting events, including the Olympic Committees of African (ANOCA) School Sports’ Games in Algeria (July 5-13), the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia (Nov. 7-31), and the ANOCA Youth Games in Angola (Dec. 5-20). The next Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from March 17-29, 2026. He also highlighted that Africa will host the Youth Olympic Games for the first time in Dakar, Senegal (Oct. 31-Nov. 13, 2026). Subsequent major events include the Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina (Feb. 6-22, 2027), the African Beach Games in Equatorial Guinea (2027), the 14th African Games in Egypt (Jan. 20-Feb. 7, 2027), and the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028 (July 14-30).
The NOC’s announcement signals Nigeria’s ambition to become a prominent host nation for international sporting events, contingent upon securing the necessary government support for a formal bid.
