Nigeria Makes Bold Move To Bring Formula 1 Back To Africa With Abuja Grand Prix Bid

Nigeria has formally submitted a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, marking a bold move to return the world’s premier motorsport event to Africa for the first time in over three decades.

According to Ireporter Online, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, announced that the proposal had been officially forwarded to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 Management. The submission was made through Opus Racing Promotions, Nigeria’s designated partner in the project.

Dikko emphasized that the initiative goes beyond sports, describing it as a statement of Nigeria’s readiness to demonstrate its innovation, infrastructure, and global sporting potential. “This bid is more than just about hosting a race. It is about showcasing Nigeria’s capacity, creativity, and commitment to developing world-class sporting infrastructure,” he stated.

He confirmed that the Federal Government and key private sector investors have thrown their weight behind the Abuja Grand Prix bid. Early plans reportedly include the construction of a state-of-the-art racing circuit designed to meet international standards, which could establish Nigeria as a leading destination for motorsport and sports tourism in Africa.

As part of the bid process, invitations have been extended to Formula 1 Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects—the German design firm responsible for several modern F1 tracks—to visit Abuja for site inspections and discussions with stakeholders.

The development follows Nigeria’s successful hosting of the E1 Lagos GP, Africa’s first all-electric powerboat race, which drew international acclaim earlier this year. That event was hailed by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as a testament to Nigeria’s growing capacity to organize world-class sporting competitions.

If approved, the Abuja Grand Prix would mark Formula 1’s historic return to Africa since the last South African Grand Prix held at Kyalami in 1993.

Nigeria’s ambitions in the global sports arena continue to expand, as the nation is also bidding to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. President Bola Tinubu has urged the Commonwealth Games Federation to award the milestone centenary edition to Nigeria, potentially making it the first African nation to stage the prestigious event.