Mallam Shehu Dikko, speaking on behalf of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has outlined a long-term vision to use sports as a foundation for opening Nigeria to wider international engagement, revealing potential hosting ambitions for major tournaments in 2030 and 2031,
with an “early chance” possibly emerging in 2027. Dikko emphasised that these events would not be confined to the capital but would be staged across multiple cities to drive national development.
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“We want to use sports as a foundation to open the country,” Dikko said, indicating that hosting international competitions is part of a broader strategy to boost tourism, infrastructure and local economies.
He noted that a bid process and preparatory work are underway to position Nigeria as a credible host for big events, and that the NSC is assessing venues, transport links and accommodation capabilities to meet international standards.
Dikko stressed the intention to decentralise hosting plans. “We would not just be hosting these events in just Abuja but in other cities across the nation,” he said, arguing that dispersing events will create inclusive economic opportunities and infrastructural legacies beyond a single urban centre.
The plan envisages upgrades to sporting facilities in multiple states, boosting grassroots participation and regional pride.
On timing, Dikko suggested an “early chance” in 2027 that could serve as a stepping stone toward larger tournaments in 2030 and 2031.
“If we can secure smaller events in 2027, we will have the experience and confidence to pursue bigger events for 2030 and 2031,” he said. He also proposed phased investments to improve stadia, training centres and sports administration capacity in the interim.
Dikko underlined the role of multi-sectoral collaboration, calling for private sector partnerships and state government involvement.
“Hosting major tournaments requires more than sports administrators. We need transport, tourism, security and hospitality sectors to be part of the plan,” he said, urging a whole-of-nation approach.
If realised, the NSC’s ambitions could mark a turning point for Nigerian sports, leveraging hosting as a catalyst for infrastructure, global visibility and economic revitalisation across diverse cities and communities.
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