By Samuel Akpan
Nigeria is firmly on course to host the 2034 Commonwealth Games in Abuja, with top sports administrator Shehu Dikko giving the strongest assurance yet that the country will finally bring the prestigious multi-sport event to African soil.
In an exclusive interview with Persecondnews in Abuja, Dikko said the Commonwealth Games featured prominently in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s just-concluded visit to the United Kingdom, forming a key part of the administration’s Renewed Hope Initiative.
“The 2034 edition would be Nigeria’s time to shine among the Commonwealth of Nations,” Dikko said.
He added that the nation’s bid to host the All Africa Games in 2031 would serve as the perfect stepping stone and pathway to deliver a world-class Commonwealth Games in Abuja four years later.
Although Nigeria’s well-prepared bid for the 2030 edition was unsuccessful, with the rights going to Ahmedabad, India, Dikko explained that the decision had nothing to do with any deficiency on Nigeria’s part.
“India won the last bid not because we lacked the required infrastructure. One of the reasons is to help push the India 2036 Olympic bid,” he stated.
The country had mounted a formidable campaign for 2030.
A high-powered Nigerian delegation, backed by the full weight of the Federal Government, presented Abuja’s credentials in London.
The pitch highlighted the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, steadily improving hotel infrastructure and transportation networks, and the readiness to stage a spectacular continental showcase.
President Tinubu himself passionately championed the African cause.
“After 100 years of the Commonwealth Games, they have never been hosted on African soil,” he told the Commonwealth authorities.
“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.”
Though the 2030 dream was not realised, Dikko’s fresh assurance has ignited renewed optimism.
Stakeholders believe that with sustained government commitment, the experience gained from the 2030 bid, and the strategic platform of the 2031 All Africa Games, Abuja 2034 is now Nigeria’s moment.
This will be Nigeria’s second attempt at the Commonwealth Games. The country previously bid for the 2014 edition under the leadership of former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (retd), losing narrowly to Glasgow.
With Dikko’s promise and the backing of the Renewed Hope administration, Nigerians can now look forward to 2034 when Abuja will finally welcome the Commonwealth family and etch Nigeria’s name in the history books as the first African host of the Games.
Full List of Host Cities (1930–2030)
– 1930: Hamilton, Canada
– 1934: London, England
– 1938: Sydney, Australia
– 1950: Auckland, New Zealand
– 1954: Vancouver, Canada
– 1958: Cardiff, Wales
– 1962: Perth, Australia
– 1966: Kingston, Jamaica
– 1970: Edinburgh, Scotland
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