Nigeria officially declares its interest in hosting a Formula-1 (F1) Grand Prix in Abuja. The African nation has joined the race of bid which would make it the first African country to host such an event in over three decades.
As per the statement issued on Wednesday by the Chairman of National Sports Commission – Shehu Dikko, the move is a bold step towards positioning the country on the global sports map.
Chairman Dikko also described the move as historic after South Africa hosted the event in 1993 and stated that Opus Racing Promotions has been appointed as its official representatives for the F1 Grand Prix bid.
He further stated that they are exploring all possibilities to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria as soon as practicable, as a sporting event, as a catalytic driver of tourism, infrastructure development, youth engagement and economic growth.
According to him, this vision aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE). This seeks to reset, refocus and relaunch the sector to unlock foreign investment, boost exports and increase GDP contribution.
Dikko added that hosting an F1 race would boost national pride, as well as attract global attention and will strengthen infrastructure development in Nigeria. He said as part of efforts to demonstrate readiness; invitations have been extended to CEO of Formula1 – Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion – Sir Lewis Hamilton and Tilke Engineers and Architects, who are the renowned circuit designers, to visit Abuja and meet key stakeholders.
Chairman of NSC noted that these visits would provide an opportunity for Nigeria to present its case for hosting a world-class Grand Prix on the continent. Dikko stated that Nigeria is the largest economy of Africa with significant infrastructure, international appeal and a dynamic private sector.
Notably, this decision makes them unique to deliver both the spectacle and logistical excellence Formula 1 demands. He further added that the Abuja Grand Prix would mark a new chapter for motorsports in Africa, blending sport, tourism, and economic growth.
In April 2025, Dikko formally received Opus Racing officials in Abuja for detailed discussions on the proposal. Since then, it has attracted strong backing from the federal government, sports stakeholders, and private sector leaders.