Nigeria has submitted a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, aiming to become the first African country (since South Africa in 1993) to stage a round of the world championship.
Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), announced on Wednesday that Opus Racing Promotions has been appointed as Nigeria’s official bid representative.
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To demonstrate the country’s readiness, Dikko has invited F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects to inspect potential venues and meet with government and private-sector stakeholders.
“We are exploring all possibilities to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria as soon as practicable, not just as a sporting event, but as a catalyst for tourism, infrastructure development, youth engagement, and economic growth,” Dikko said.
“A Nigerian Grand Prix would boost national pride, attract private investment, create jobs, and position sports as a key pillar of GDP growth and national unity.”
The bid aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which seeks to revitalise the sector, unlock foreign investment, and increase its contribution to the country’s GDP.
“Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, with robust infrastructure and a dynamic private sector,” Dikko added. “This makes us uniquely positioned to deliver the spectacle and logistical excellence that Formula 1 demands.”
If successful, Nigeria would host its race on a purpose-built circuit in Abuja, joining South Africa and Rwanda, who have also expressed interest in staging an African Grand Prix.
Formula 1 events often combine bespoke racing tracks with temporary street circuits; Nigeria’s proposal is understood to involve a custom-built venue designed to meet F1’s exacting standards.
