Nigeria has intensified its campaign to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, holding a high-level meeting in London with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) ahead of the August 31 submission deadline.
In a press statement, the National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed that its delegation, led by Chairman Shehu Dikko, met with CGF executives to review Nigeria’s expression of interest and outline the next steps in the bidding process.
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The Nigerian delegation included NSC Director-General Bukola Olapade, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President and IOC executive member Habu Gumel, NOC Vice-President Solomon Ogba, Secretary-General Tunde Popola, alongside technical experts and advisors.
Talks focused on Nigeria’s objectives for staging the Games, while also addressing the CGF’s requirements for candidate cities. According to the NSC, discussions covered:
Communication protocols and timelines
The Code of Conduct for bidding nations
The expectations and sustainability reforms introduced by the CGF
The CGF recently adopted new measures to make the event more sustainable and cost-efficient. Nigerian officials said the London talks provided an opportunity to align the country’s vision with these reforms.
The NSC delegation also highlighted reforms under President Bola Tinubu, stressing that hosting major international sporting events is now central to Nigeria’s economic and cultural development strategy.
“The NSC believes hosting the Commonwealth Games will deliver immense value to Nigeria,” the commission stated, noting that the event would contribute to sports growth, diplomacy, economy, culture, and social development.
Nigeria is expected to complete its final submission before the August 31 deadline, with the document subject to presidential approval.
Aside Nigeria, other bidding countries for the 2030 Commonwealth Games are India, and Canada.
The Commonwealth Games Federation is scheduled to announce its decision in November 2025.
