ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, declared that Nigeria’s pursuit of hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games was a “dream” that must be achieved, as the country prepared to present its final bid before the event’s evaluation committee.
In a post on his official X account, Tinubu highlighted that no African country had ever hosted the Games.
He said staging the 2030 edition in Nigeria would “send a powerful message” about Africa’s central role in the Commonwealth’s future.
“It’s time for Africa,” Tinubu wrote.
“Let us complete the circle of Commonwealth unity.”
To the Commonwealth Family,
It is time for Africa. After 100 years of the Commonwealth Games, they have never been hosted on African soil. By bringing the Commonwealth Centenary Games to Nigeria in 2030, you will send a powerful message that every region of the Commonwealth… pic.twitter.com/14SkFeRGpN
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) September 24, 2025
Nigeria is one of two nations formally in the running to host the 2030 Games, alongside India.
The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) submitted Abuja as the proposed host city in April, with the bid backed by the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The Nigerian delegation presenting the final pitch is led by Shehu Dikko, NSC president, and Bukola Olopade, the commission’s director-general.
The evaluation process will conclude in November, when the host city is announced.
Nigeria previously attempted to host the 2014 edition but lost to Glasgow, Scotland.
Tinubu framed the bid as not only a sporting milestone but also a symbolic one for the continent.
“Hosting the Games will demonstrate that Africa is not only a participant but a central pillar of the Commonwealth family,” he said.
The Commonwealth Games, held every four years, feature athletes from mostly former territories of the United Kingdom.
The 2026 Games are scheduled to take place in Glasgow from July 26 to August 2.
The Scottish city stepped in as host after Victoria, Australia, withdrew in 2023, citing rising costs.
