Nigeria Enters Bid to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja

Nigeria has formally declared its intention to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, a move that would make the country the first in Africa to stage the prestigious event in more than 30 years.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, who described the bid as a landmark step in elevating Nigeria’s presence on the global sporting stage.

Dikko revealed that Opus Racing Promotions has been appointed as Nigeria’s official partner for the bid, describing the development as “historic” with the last African Grand Prix having taken place in South Africa in 1993.

“We are exploring every possibility to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria at the earliest opportunity,” Dikko said. “This is not just about hosting a race; it’s about using sport as a vehicle to drive tourism, develop infrastructure, engage our youth, and stimulate economic growth.”

He added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which aims to revamp the sector by attracting foreign investment, increasing exports, and boosting the country’s GDP.

Dikko highlighted that hosting a Formula 1 race would enhance Nigeria’s global profile, create employment opportunities, and contribute significantly to infrastructure advancement.

As part of Nigeria’s push to showcase its readiness, the commission has extended invitations to key figures including Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, and the renowned circuit design firm Tilke Engineers & Architects to visit Abuja and engage with stakeholders.

“Nigeria is the continent’s largest economy, with solid infrastructure, international visibility, and a vibrant private sector,” Dikko noted. “These qualities put us in a strong position to deliver the high standards Formula 1 demands.”

He added that the proposed Abuja Grand Prix would represent a new era for motorsport in Africa merging sport, tourism, and economic development into one transformative event.

In April 2025, Dikko held high-level talks with officials from Opus Racing in Abuja, where the proposal gained considerable support from the federal government, industry stakeholders, and private sector leaders.