Formula 1 may return to Africa as Nigeria officially submits Abuja bid

Femi Fabunmi 

Nigeria has officially submitted a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, marking a bold and historic move to bring the world’s most prestigious motorsport event to West Africa for the first time.

If successful, the Abuja Grand Prix would signal the return of Formula 1 racing to the African continent after more than three decades.

The last time an African country hosted a Grand Prix was in 1993, when the Kyalami Circuit in South Africa welcomed the global racing community.

According to government sources, the proposal is part of Nigeria’s broader plan to diversify its economy through sports, tourism, and international partnerships. The bid enjoys strong support from both the Ministry of Sports Development and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), which have promised world-class infrastructure and security for the event.

Sports analysts say the Abuja Grand Prix could become one of Africa’s biggest sporting spectacles, attracting thousands of visitors, boosting hospitality and transport sectors, and creating new opportunities for local businesses.

Motorsport fans across the continent have also expressed excitement over the news, describing it as a major step forward for African representation in global racing.

Formula 1 management is expected to review Nigeria’s bid alongside other countries before making a final announcement in the coming months.

If approved, Abuja could soon join the ranks of iconic Grand Prix cities such as Monaco, Silverstone, and Singapore, putting Nigeria firmly on the global motorsport map.