By Sammy Etuk Jr|Sports Recorder
Powerful corporate bodies and passionate sports stakeholders have launched a spirited campaign to persuade the Federal Government of Nigeria to formally bid for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
According to insider sources, interest groups have intensified lobbying efforts by engaging influential politicians and individuals with strong ties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. High-level meetings were reportedly held on Friday night across Abuja and Lagos as part of a coordinated push to gain presidential approval for the ambitious bid.
“Indeed, the President has been contacted by various interest groups. Now it is up to President Tinubu to grant approval,” a presidency source revealed. “This is a capital-intensive project that will involve millions of naira.”
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) had earlier confirmed Nigeria’s intention to bid, announcing that it met the March 28, 2025 deadline to submit an expression of interest to host the Games in Abuja. However, a formal proposal cannot be submitted without the backing of the Federal Government.
In a press statement released last Monday, the NOC’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tony Nezianya, stressed that government support is crucial for Nigeria’s bid to move forward. He highlighted the far-reaching benefits of hosting such a global sporting event.
“Hosting the Commonwealth Games can revitalize Nigeria’s sports economy and significantly enhance infrastructure across sectors like tourism, transportation, and accommodation,” the NOC noted. “It presents an opportunity to attract global visitors, support local businesses, create jobs, and foster national unity.”
The committee believes the event would also serve as a platform to showcase Nigeria’s cultural diversity and development strides to the world, positioning the country as a rising force in global sports.
Nigeria last hosted a major multi-sport event in 2003, when the African Games were held in Abuja with 53 participating countries and 23 sports featured. That experience, the NOC believes, proves Nigeria’s capacity to successfully organize international sporting events.
If successful, the 2030 Commonwealth Games bid could catalyze multi-sectoral development, stimulate investment in sports facilities, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Nigerian athletes.
