Commonwealth Games 2030: Nigeria submits bid, joins India in hosting contest

Nigeria has officially submitted a bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Abuja chosen as the proposed host city. If approved, it will be the first time an African country hosts the event.

The 2030 Games will also mark the 100th anniversary of the competition, which began in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930. Nigeria’s proposal will compete with India’s bid to stage the Games in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

A final decision will be made at the Commonwealth Games General Assembly in Glasgow this November. Africa has never hosted the Games before; Durban, South Africa, was once awarded the 2022 edition but lost the rights in 2017 due to financial issues.

Confirming the bids, Commonwealth Sport President, Dr. Donald Rukare, said Nigeria’s move shows its commitment to the values of the Games. He explained that both Nigeria and India submitted strong proposals, which will be reviewed by the Evaluation Commission before a recommendation is made to the Executive Board and then to all 74 member nations and territories.

If Abuja wins the hosting rights, the Games are expected to boost sports development and infrastructure in Nigeria, while also making history as the first Commonwealth Games staged in Africa.