Nigeria’s Push Moves Africa Closer to First Commonwealth Games Hosting Rights

Africa has moved closer to achieving a historic milestone after Commonwealth sports ministers backed the continent’s bid to be considered for the hosting rights of the 2034 Commonwealth Games.

The breakthrough followed a successful intervention by Nigeria at the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers’ Meeting in Glasgow, Scotland, where Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, rallied member countries to support Africa’s ambition to host the multi-sport event for the first time in its 100-year history.

Addressing delegates at the meeting, Dikko argued that the Commonwealth Games’ legacy would be incomplete without Africa taking its place as a host continent.

He urged Commonwealth nations to make a collective commitment towards considering Africa for the 2034 edition, stressing that hosting the Games would represent a major step in expanding the event’s global reach and inclusiveness.

The proposal received unanimous support from Commonwealth sports ministers, leading to an amendment of the official communiqué to reflect the bloc’s position that Africa should be given consideration for the 2034 hosting rights.

Dikko described the development as a landmark achievement, saying Africa’s inclusion would usher in a new era for the Commonwealth Games.

“This is a historic milestone that will redefine the future of the Games and create opportunities for the continent to showcase its sporting potential,” he said.

Beyond the hosting bid, the NSC Chairman called for reforms aimed at modernising the competition and strengthening its global appeal.

He proposed the inclusion of additional sporting events, including football, and advocated a multi-city hosting model that could reduce costs, improve accessibility and encourage more countries to bid for the Games.

At the meeting, Dikko also presented Nigeria’s national statement, highlighting reforms in the sports sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the NSC’s RHINSE framework.

He outlined government efforts to improve sports governance, upgrade infrastructure, identify and develop talent, and expand the sports economy to create sustainable opportunities for athletes and stakeholders.

The outcome of the Glasgow meeting represents a significant diplomatic achievement for Nigeria and a major boost for Africa’s long-standing ambition to host the Commonwealth Games.

It also opens a broader conversation about the future direction of the Games and the need to ensure greater representation from all regions of the Commonwealth.