ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — Nigeria has formally submitted a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the capital, Abuja, a move officials say could bring the global motorsport series back to Africa for the first time in more than three decades.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, confirmed that the proposal had been sent to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 Management. The bid is being handled through Opus Racing Promotions, Nigeria’s official representative in the process.
“This bid is more than just about hosting a race,” Dikko said during the announcement. “It is about showcasing Nigeria’s capacity, creativity, and commitment to developing world-class sporting infrastructure. It is a landmark project that will redefine Nigeria’s place in global motorsport and sports tourism.”
If successful, the Abuja Grand Prix would mark Formula 1’s first return to the African continent since the 1993 South African Grand Prix in Kyalami.
The Nigerian government is backing the effort, with top officials and private sector partners offering support. Invitations have reportedly been extended to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and German firm Tilke Engineers & Architects, designers of many of today’s F1 circuits, to visit Abuja for site assessments and stakeholder meetings.
The proposal follows Nigeria’s recent success hosting the E1 Lagos GP in March, the first-ever African leg of the all-electric powerboat championship. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised that event as a milestone in clean energy innovation and international sports engagement.
Nigeria’s push to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix comes at a time when it is also vying to secure the 2030 Commonwealth Games. President Bola Tinubu has urged the Commonwealth Games Federation to award the centenary edition to Nigeria, which would make it the first African country to host the event.
Formula 1 has expressed interest in returning to Africa, one of the sport’s few remaining untapped continents, with both South Africa and now Nigeria signaling intent to host a race.
No date has been set for a final decision on Nigeria’s bid.
