Nigeria’s push to bring the Commonwealth Games to Africa for the first time in history gathered momentum on Thursday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured the Commonwealth Games Bid Evaluation Committee of the nation’s full readiness to host the 2030 edition.

Receiving the delegation at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu — represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila — reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to delivering a world-class, inclusive Games that would leave a lasting legacy for youth development and national unity.

“The President has written a Letter of Guarantee to you; his full weight is behind this bid,” Gbajabiamila said. “What I can assure you is that we’re ready, willing, and able. It’s been almost 100 years, and the Games have never been held on African soil. It’s time.”

Nigeria’s bid, led by the National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko, proposes Abuja as the host city, with a plan to feature 15 sports — including football, a first for the Games — to boost global appeal and fan engagement.

Dikko made a strong pitch for Nigeria over India, the other official bidder, stressing that Africa’s 21 Commonwealth nations deserve representation. “The President sees hosting the Games as a celebration of Nigeria’s growing force in sports, beyond participation,” Dikko said.

The Commonwealth delegation, led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance, commended Nigeria’s hospitality and enthusiasm. “I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavours, including sports,” Hall said.

President Tinubu highlighted recent reforms, including the scrapping of the Ministry of Sports in favour of a National Sports Commission, as part of a broader strategy to reposition sports as a driver of economic and social development.

The final decision on the 2030 host city — between Abuja, Nigeria, and Ahmedabad, India — will be made at the Commonwealth Games General Assembly in November 2025. If successful, Nigeria would make history as the first African nation to host the Games since their inception in 1930.