1 week Ago By Guardian Nigeria
Eighteen years after it failed to win the hosting right for the 2014 Commonwealth Games at a bid process held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Nigeria has once again expressed interest in hosting the competition. Yesterday, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) revealed that the country has met the deadline to express interest in hosting the 2030 edition of the competition in Abuja. Nigeria’s bid in 2007, tagged African bid, was led by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, supported by then Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, former Sports Minister, Abdulrahman Gimba, Dr Amos Adamu and the late Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Desmond Tutu, who appealed that “A vote for Abuja means a vote for whole of Africa.
” Glasgow, Scotland, eventually won the hosting right for the 2014 Games. The Commonwealth Games committee invited Nigeria to bid for the 2018 edition, but Nigeria did not heed the call. However, the NOC said in a statement yesterday that it has met the March 28, 2025, deadline for expressing interest in a bid process.
Nigeria can only commence a formal bid if the Federal Government backs the project. The statement by NOC’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya, noted that 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) hosted in Anuja.
The country used the platform to demonstrate its capability and commitment to organising large-scale international events. The statement said that the Abuja experience will provide a solid foundation for Nigeria to host again, showcasing its ability to manage the logistics, hospitality, and infrastructure development required by such events. “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,” the statement read.
It added: “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, among other benefits.” Glasgow, Scotland, which beat Nigeria to the 2014 hosting right, will host the next Commonwealth Games in 2026 from March 17 to March 29, 2026..
