Nigeria has officially launched a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in its capital city, Abuja, a move that could make it the first African nation to welcome the prestigious motorsport event in over three decades.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, announced the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, describing the effort as a landmark stride towards elevating Nigeria’s presence on the global sporting stage.
Labeling the move as historic, Dikko referenced South Africa’s last hosting of a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1993 and revealed that Opus Racing Promotions has been appointed to lead Nigeria’s bid as the official representative.
“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,” he said.
According to Dikko, the proposed Grand Prix aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy.
The initiative is aimed at transforming the sports sector into a viable economic contributor by drawing in foreign investment, increasing exports, and enhancing its share in the country’s GDP.
He emphasized that hosting a Formula 1 race would not only elevate national pride but also draw international attention, create employment opportunities, and support infrastructure advancement across the country.
To demonstrate Nigeria’s preparedness, the NSC has extended formal invitations to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects, the world-renowned circuit design firm, for exploratory visits to Abuja and meetings with key stakeholders.
“Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy with significant infrastructure, international appeal, and a dynamic private sector,” Dikko said. “This makes us uniquely positioned to deliver both the spectacle and logistical excellence Formula 1 demands.”
He concluded that the proposed Abuja Grand Prix represents a fresh chapter for motorsports in Africa, with the potential to seamlessly integrate sports, tourism, and economic development.
Back in April 2025, Dikko received officials from Opus Racing in Abuja for high-level talks on the Grand Prix proposal.
Since then, the bid has garnered considerable support from the federal government, private sector leaders, and major players in the Nigerian sports ecosystem.
