The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) has officially expressed interest in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja. The NOC submitted its expression of interest before the March 28, 2025, deadline, marking the initial step in the bidding process.
Hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to showcase its development, enhance its global standing, and invigorate its sports culture. The NOC emphasized that such an event could catalyze investments in sports infrastructure, including the construction and upgrading of sports venues, transportation systems, and accommodations. This development is expected to benefit both the sports community and the general population.
Nigeria has prior experience in organizing large-scale international sporting events, having successfully hosted the African Games in 2003 in Abuja. This experience is anticipated to provide a solid foundation for managing the logistics, hospitality, and infrastructure development required for the Commonwealth Games.
It's important to note that a formal bid can only proceed with the backing of the Federal Government. The NOC's expression of interest is a preliminary step, and further developments will depend on governmental support and the outcomes of the bidding process.
In the past, Nigeria bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games but lost to Glasgow, Scotland. The next Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be hosted in Glasgow again, from March 17 to March 29, 2026.