Nigeria has officially launched a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, which would make it the first African country to stage the event in over 30 years since South Africa last hosted it in 1993.
National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Shehu Dikko, described the move as a historic step towards placing Nigeria on the global sports map. He confirmed that Opus Racing Promotions has been appointed as the country’s official representative for the bid.
“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 in a statement on Wednesday.
He added that the plan is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which aims to attract foreign investment, boost exports, and increase sports’ contribution to the country’s GDP.
Boost for Economy and Tourism
Dikko stated that hosting an F1 race would create jobs, improve infrastructure, and attract global attention to Nigeria. To demonstrate readiness, invitations have been extended to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects — the world-renowned circuit designers — to visit Abuja and meet with key stakeholders.
“Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy with strong infrastructure, international appeal, and a vibrant private sector. This makes us uniquely positioned to deliver both the spectacle and logistical excellence Formula 1 demands,” Dikko added.
Strong Government and Private Sector Support
The bid has already received strong backing from the federal government, sports stakeholders, and private sector leaders. In April 2025, Dikko formally hosted officials from Opus Racing in Abuja for detailed discussions on the proposal.
If successful, the Abuja Grand Prix would mark a new chapter for motorsport in Africa, blending sport, tourism, and economic growth.
