Nigeria bids to host Formula 1 race

Nigeria has officially shown interest in hosting a Formula 1 race  a move that could make it the first African country to do so since 1993.

The head of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, announced that Nigeria wants to bring a Grand Prix event to the capital city, Abuja. To help with this goal, he has appointed Opus Racing Promotions to lead the project.

Dikko also invited some big names in the racing world to visit Nigeria. This includes Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1; Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion; and Tilke Engineers, a famous company that designs race tracks.

They are expected to meet with government officials and business leaders to discuss the possibilities.

“This is more than just a race,” Dikko said. “It’s about creating jobs, attracting tourists, building better infrastructure, and giving young people new opportunities. It can help grow our economy and bring the country together.”

If Nigeria’s bid is successful, it will be the first F1 race on African soil since South Africa hosted one in 1993. But Nigeria isn’t the only country in the running — South Africa and Rwanda are also hoping to host a Grand Prix.

Formula 1 races are usually held on specially designed tracks, but some take place on city streets or a mix of both.