Nigeria has formally entered the race to bring the world’s premier motorsport event, Formula 1, back to African soil for the first time in over three decades.
In a bold and strategic move, the National Sports Commission (NSC) announced it has appointed Opus Racing Promotions as the official representative for Nigeria’s bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
The NSC chairman, Shehu Dikko, confirmed ongoing high-level engagements with the sport’s global leadership. He extended formal invitations to Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1; Lewis Hamilton, seven-time F1 world champion; and Tilke Engineers & Architects, the renowned German firm behind many iconic F1 circuits.
“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, economy, and indeed soft power for Nigeria,” Dikko said.
If successful, the Nigerian Grand Prix would be the first in Africa since South Africa last hosted in 1993 at the Kyalami circuit. The move positions Nigeria as a potential gateway for F1’s return to the continent—though it faces stiff competition from South Africa and Rwanda, both of whom are also in talks with F1 organizers.
Dikko emphasized the broader national benefits of the bid, highlighting its potential to create jobs, stimulate private investment, and boost Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
“A Nigerian Grand Prix would not only boost national pride but also strengthen our infrastructure, attract private investment, and create economic opportunities and jobs, firmly positioning sports as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s GDP growth and unity,” he added.
Formula 1 races typically require specialized circuits, often designed in collaboration with city planners and engineers. Abuja’s proposed setup may involve a combination of purpose-built tracks and modified urban roads, a model already seen in races like the Singapore and Miami Grands Prix.
If Nigeria secures the bid, it will mark a historic moment for both the country and the African continent, aligning with F1’s stated ambition to expand its global footprint and engage new, diverse markets.
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