Nigeria Officially Declares Interest In Hosting Formula 1 Grand Prix

Nigeria has formally entered the competition to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, as announced by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The Cable reports that Shehu Dikko, the commission’s chairman, disclosed that Opus Racing Promotions has been designated as Nigeria’s official representative in the effort to bring the international motorsport event to Abuja.

Dikko also issued invitations to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects — the firm responsible for designing some of the world’s most renowned F1 circuits — to visit Nigeria and engage with government and private sector stakeholders.

“We are exploring all possibilities to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria as soon as practicable,” Dikko said, emphasizing that the initiative extends beyond sports. He stated that hosting an F1 race in Nigeria could enhance tourism, infrastructure, youth participation, and economic growth, while also showcasing Nigeria’s soft power on a global stage.

If successful, Nigeria would become the first African nation to host a Grand Prix since South Africa did so in 1993.

However, Nigeria faces competition from other African countries, as South Africa and Rwanda are also reportedly in discussions to host the prestigious race.

F1 Grands Prix are typically conducted on purpose-built circuits, although some races occur on street roads integrated with dedicated race tracks.

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