Nigeria has officially submitted a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, marking the country’s bold move to return the sport to Africa for the first time since 1993.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, confirmed that the proposal has been formally submitted to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 Management through Opus Racing Promotions, Nigeria’s designated bid partner.
According to Dikko, the Abuja Grand Prix is not just about bringing F1 to Nigeria but about positioning the country as a global hub for sports innovation and tourism.
“This bid is more than just about hosting a race. It is about showcasing Nigeria’s capacity, creativity, and commitment to developing world-class sporting infrastructure,” he stated. “It’s a landmark project that will redefine Nigeria’s place in global motorsport and sports tourism.”
He added that the project has already received strong backing from the Federal Government and key private sector stakeholders. Preliminary plans reveal that the Abuja circuit will meet international standards and could potentially become one of Africa’s premier sports venues.
Invitations have reportedly been sent to Formula 1 Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects—the German firm behind several modern F1 circuits—to visit Abuja for site inspections and strategic meetings.
The bid follows Nigeria’s successful hosting of the inaugural E1 Lagos GP, the first African leg of the electric powerboat championship. That event was widely praised as a milestone in sports innovation and sustainability.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had described the E1 event as “a celebration of innovation and clean energy,” emphasizing Nigeria’s readiness to host top-tier global sporting competitions.
If approved, the Abuja Grand Prix would mark the return of Formula 1 to Africa for the first time since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.
Nigeria is also vying to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with President Bola Tinubu urging the Commonwealth Games Federation to award the centenary edition to Nigeria — a move that would make it the first African nation to host the historic event.