Nigeria has officially signaled its intent to reintroduce Formula 1 racing to the African continent, submitting a formal bid to host a Grand Prix in Abuja. This ambitious proposal marks the first serious push to bring the world’s premier motorsport event back to Africa since the last South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1993.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, confirmed that the proposal has been sent to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 Management. The bid is being handled in partnership with Opus Racing Promotions, Nigeria’s designated local partner for the project. Dikko emphasized that the project is about more than just a race, calling it “a landmark project that will redefine Nigeria’s place in global motorsport and sports tourism.” He stressed the bid aims to showcase the country’s capacity, creativity, and commitment to developing world-class sporting infrastructure.
The Abuja Grand Prix project reportedly has strong backing from the Federal Government and several key private sector partners. Early conceptual plans suggest the development of an international-standard circuit designed to position Nigeria as a major player on the global motorsport calendar.
In a move demonstrating the seriousness of the bid, invitations have already been extended to high-profile figures, including Formula 1 Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and representatives from Tilke Engineers & Architects. The German firm is globally renowned for designing several modern F1 tracks and their involvement suggests a commitment to top-tier circuit design and construction. These figures are being invited to visit Abuja for critical site inspections and stakeholder discussions.
This Formula 1 initiative follows Nigeria’s recent success hosting the inaugural E1 Lagos GP, the first-ever African leg of the all-electric powerboat championship. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the E1 event as crucial evidence of Nigeria’s increasing capacity to host elite global sporting competitions, calling it “a celebration of innovation and clean energy.”
Nigeria’s aspiration to host major international events is clearly growing. Beyond the F1 bid, the country is also actively lobbying to host 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 nation ever to stage the historic multi-sport event.
