It’s time for Africa’: Tinubu pushes for Nigeria to host Commonwealth Games in 2030

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed Nigeria’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, urging the global community to give Africa its first opportunity in the event’s 100-year history.

Tinubu, in a post made via his official social media handles on Tuesday, stressed that bringing the centenary edition to Nigeria would symbolize inclusivity and reaffirm Africa’s place at the heart of the Commonwealth’s future.

“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 matters, and that Africa is not only part of the story, but central to its future,” he said.

Tinubu described Nigeria as the “gateway” to Africa and the ideal stage for a historic Games, calling on member nations to rally behind the country’s bid.

“Nigeria is the gateway. Africa is the stage. The Commonwealth is the family. Let us make history together in 2030. Let us complete the circle of Commonwealth unity.

What you should know?

Nigeria is competing with India, which has nominated Ahmedabad as its candidate city. The host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games will be selected in November 2025, following a comprehensive evaluation of the competing bids

If successful, the 2030 Games would mark the first time Africa hosts the multi-sport competition since its inception in 1930.

The Commonwealth Games is a major international sports event that takes place every four years. Teams from countries in the Commonwealth come together to compete in different sports.

Since its inception in 1930, it has only been cancelled twice—in 1942 and 1946 because of World War II.  At first, it was called the British Empire Games, but the name later changed to the Commonwealth Games to reflect the participation of athletes from all Commonwealth nations.

Australia has hosted the event more than any other country, with five editions so far.

The Commonwealth Games is not only popular but also very inclusive. Athletes with disabilities compete as full members of their national teams, and their medals count just like everyone else’s. 

It was also the first global sports competition to feature the same number of men’s and women’s events