Nigeria bids to host first Formula 1 Grand Prix in Africa since 1993

Nigeria has officially submitted a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in its capital, Abuja, a move that could make the nation the first African country in over three decades to welcome the prestigious motorsport event.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, announced the historic bid on Wednesday, calling it a transformative step for Nigeria’s sporting future. If successful, it would be the first Formula 1 race on the continent since South Africa last hosted the event in 1993.

Dikko revealed that Opus Racing Promotions has been appointed as Nigeria’s official representative for the bid. He emphasized that the project goes far beyond sport, positioning the Grand Prix as a key driver of tourism, infrastructure, youth development, and economic growth.

“We are exploring all possibilities to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria, not just as a spectacle, but as an economic and cultural catalyst,” Dikko said.

This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which aims to relaunch the sector to attract foreign investment, increase exports, and raise Nigeria’s GDP contribution through sport.

As part of the bid, Nigeria has formally invited key figures in global motorsport, including Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, and renowned circuit designers Tilke Engineers & Architects, to visit Abuja and engage stakeholders.

Dikko underscored Nigeria’s readiness, citing its status as Africa’s largest economy with growing infrastructure and a vibrant private sector. He believes these assets make Nigeria uniquely positioned to meet the high standards of Formula 1.

The proposed Abuja Grand Prix would represent a new dawn for motorsports in Africa, fusing the thrill of racing with opportunities in tourism, trade, and youth empowerment. The project has already gained strong federal backing and wide support from the sports and business communities.

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