Nigeria Submits Official Bid to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja

Nigeria has officially submitted a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, aiming to become the first African country in over three decades to stage the prestigious motorsport event.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, announced the development on Wednesday, describing it as a historic milestone in the country’s efforts to position itself on the global sports map.

In a statement released in Abuja, Dikko confirmed that Opus Racing Promotions has been appointed as Nigeria’s official representative for the bid. He said the move is not only geared towards sports development but also a strategy to drive tourism, infrastructure growth, and economic revitalisation.

“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,” Dikko said.

He noted that the bid aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which aims to reset, refocus, and relaunch the sector to unlock foreign investment, increase exports, and boost GDP contribution.

Dikko added that hosting an F1 race would enhance national pride, attract global attention, and create thousands of jobs while also strengthening local infrastructure.

To demonstrate readiness, invitations have been extended to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects—the firm known for designing several F1 circuits—to visit Abuja and meet 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 said the proposed Abuja Grand Prix would usher in a new era for motorsport on the continent by blending world-class sport with tourism and economic development.

In April, Dikko hosted officials from Opus Racing in Abuja for detailed discussions on the proposal. The bid has since received strong backing from the federal government, private sector leaders, and major sports stakeholders.