18 Years After Rejection, Nigeria Aims to Bring Commonwealth Games Home in 2030

Eighteen years after losing out on the chance to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Nigeria is back in the race—this time with eyes set on 2030. The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) announced that it has officially met the March 28 deadline to express interest in hosting the 2030 edition of the Games in Abuja.

The last time Nigeria competed for the hosting rights was in 2007, with a campaign branded as “Africa’s Bid,” led by former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon. The bid also received strong backing from then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Sports Minister Abdulrahman Gimba, Dr. Amos Adamu, and the late Nobel Peace Laureate, Desmond Tutu, who urged the world to support Africa by voting for Abuja. Despite their efforts, Glasgow, Scotland, clinched the 2014 Games. Nigeria was later invited to bid for 2018 but didn’t follow through.

Now, with renewed ambition and a ticking clock, the NOC says Abuja is ready—pending full support from the Federal Government.

In a statement released by NOC’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya, the bid was described as a strategic opportunity to elevate Nigeria’s global image, promote its sports culture, and revitalize critical infrastructure. He emphasized that hosting the Games would be a catalyst for wide-ranging developments: from upgraded sports venues and transport systems to tourism, job creation, and long-term investments in youth and community development.

The last major multi-sport event Nigeria hosted was the 2003 All-Africa Games (COJA 2003), also in Abuja—a successful outing that showcased Nigeria’s capacity to deliver on large-scale international events. NOC believes this legacy sets a strong foundation for another major hosting milestone.

If the bid moves forward, Abuja could witness massive infrastructure development, job creation in event management and construction, and a surge in international tourism—all contributing to a rejuvenated local economy and sports ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Glasgow, which edged out Nigeria for the 2014 Games, is set to host the 2026 edition from March 17 to 29.