Nigeria Officially Bids To Host Formula 1 Grand Prix In Abuja
Nigeria has officially joined the race to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja., which would make it the first African country to host such an event in over three decades.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko, he described the move as a bold step towards positioning the country on the global sports map.
Dikko also described the move as historic after South Africa hosted the event in 1993, stating that Opus Racing Promotions has been appointed as its official representative for the bid.
He said, “We are exploring all possibilities to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria as soon as practicable — not just as a sporting event, but as a catalytic driver of tourism, infrastructure development, youth engagement, and economic growth.
“This vision aligns with Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which seeks to reset, refocus, and relaunch the sector to unlock foreign investment, boost exports, and increase GDP contribution.”
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Dikko added that hosting an F1 race would boost national pride, attract global attention, create jobs, and strengthen infrastructure development in Nigeria.
He noted as part of efforts to demonstrate readiness, invitations have been extended to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects — the renowned circuit designers — to visit Abuja and meet key stakeholders.
The NSC chairman noted that these visits would provide an opportunity for Nigeria to present its case for hosting a world-class Grand Prix on the continent.
“Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy with significant infrastructure, international appeal, and a dynamic private sector.
“This makes us uniquely positioned to deliver both the spectacle and logistical excellence Formula 1 demands.”
Dikko stated that the Abuja Grand Prix would mark a new chapter for motorsport in Africa, blending sport, tourism, and economic growth.
In April 2025, Dikko formally received Opus Racing officials in Abuja for detailed discussions on the proposal, which has since attracted strong backing from the federal government, sports stakeholders, and private sector leaders.
