President Bola Tinubu has affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which would be the first time the event is held in Africa since its inception in 1930. During a visit by the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on September 18, 2025, Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, emphasized Nigeria’s capacity, infrastructure, and political will to host the games. He stated, “What I can assure you is that we’re ready. We’re willing, we’re able, and we actually want this.”

Nigeria’s bid proposes Abuja as the host city, featuring 15 sports, including football for broader appeal, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability.The bid has garnered significant support, with Tinubu issuing a formal letter of guarantee to the Commonwealth Games Federation. Nigeria is competing against India’s bid for Ahmedabad, with the final decision expected at the Commonwealth Games General Assembly in November 2025. Earlier in July 2025, Tinubu had pledged support for the bid as part of broader sports reforms, a commitment echoed in official statements from the Nigerian Presidency.