The leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to stage the first-ever Commonwealth Games to be hosted on African soil in 2030.
Its Chairman, Shehu Dikko and Director General, Bukola Olopade reassured Commonwealth nations of Nigeria’s readiness, as they welcomed members of the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee in Abuja, as part of Nigeria’s ongoing bid process.
Dikko said President Bola Tinubu is committed to bringing the Games to Africa for the first time, describing the effort as “a major step toward inclusivity in the Commonwealth sporting community.”
His words: “We are very happy to welcome you here in Nigeria, stressing our seriousness to host the 2030 Games and show you around the beautiful city of Abuja and our facilities,” Dikko said.
“One thing I want to assure you is that the President sees the hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, if we win the bid, as a celebration of the country’s growing force in sports, beyond just participation.”
Also, Olopade added that the country’s bid has all the elements that would make Nigeria get the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
He noted: “The key elements of a bid of this magnitude are facilities, political will, private sector backing and the passion of the people. This bid has all of these elements and much more to prove our seriousness.
“We have put a very strong bid committee together led by Mainasara Illo, with a very robust bid document. Therefore, we are very optimistic that with all the engagements we will be having with the Commonwealth Games Bid Evaluation Committee led by Darren Hall, throughout their visit, it will be another major step towards Nigeria winning the rights to host the 2030 Games.”
The Commonwealth Sport delegation consisted of Darren Hall, director of games and assurance and member of the 2030 Evaluation Commission; Ann-Louise Morgan, CS director of sport; and Ezera Tshabangu, CS regional development manager for Africa and Europe.