FG Rolls Out Support for Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games Bid As Evaluation Committee Visits Abuja

FG Rolls Out Support for Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games Bid As Evaluation Committee Visits Abuja 

By Niyi Busari 

 The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), has reiterated its commitment to hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, as officials from the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee arrived in Abuja for an inspection visit, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a significant step forward for Nigeria’s bid to host Africa’s first-ever Commonwealth Games, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade welcomed the visiting delegation, emphasizing Nigeria’s readiness and ambition to stage the prestigious event.

Speaking during the delegation’s visit, Dikko underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering support for the bid, describing it as a historic opportunity for both Nigeria and the African continent. “President Tinubu is fully committed to bringing the Commonwealth Games to Africa for the first time,” Dikko said. “Hosting the 2030 Games would not only mark a milestone for Nigeria but also demonstrate our growing influence in global sports.”

Dikko added that the delegation’s presence in Nigeria underscores the country’s determination to meet international expectations and showcase its readiness through available infrastructure and political will.

Director General Olopade highlighted the strength of Nigeria’s bid, citing four critical pillars: top-tier facilities, strong political backing, private sector support, and public enthusiasm.

 “We’ve assembled a world-class bid team led by Mainasara Illo and developed a comprehensive bid document,” Olopade said. “We are confident that the Commonwealth Games Federation will recognize our potential as hosts.”

The visiting evaluation committee is led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport and a member of the 2030 Evaluation Commission. Other members of the delegation include Ann-Louise Morgan, Director of Sport, and Ezera Tshabangu, Regional Development Manager for Africa and Europe.

Demonstrating the federal government’s high-level engagement, Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, hosted the delegation at the Presidential Villa on behalf of President Tinubu. The meeting was attended by several Federal Executive Council members, including the Ministers of Youth, Culture and Creative Economy, Women Affairs, and Environment, as well as the Chairman of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission.

The visit forms part of the official evaluation process as the Commonwealth Games Federation assesses Nigeria’s readiness and capability to host the multi-sport event. If successful, Nigeria would become the first African nation to stage the Games in the event’s 90-plus year history.