Nigeria is set to make history as it launches a bid to host the prestigious Formula 1 Grand Prix in its capital city, Abuja. Led by the National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, this ambitious initiative seeks to put Nigeria on the global motorsport map.The NSC has partnered with Opus Racing Promotions, supported by Government Relations experts – BL Practice Hub, to drive this groundbreaking bid. This strategic move underscores Nigeria’sgrowing global aspirations and its commitment to showcasing its capabilities to the world.
In April 2025, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko formally welcomed representatives of Opus Racing to Nigeria to discuss the bid in detail. The visit has ignited widespread excitement across the nation and has garnered enthusiastic support from the Nigerian Government, sporting community, and private sector leaders.
“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. This vision aligns with the Renewed Hope and shared prosperity vision of our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which is deliberate to RESET, REFOCUS, and RELAUNCH the sector to unlock economic contribution, global exports, and foreign exchange earnings.,” said Mr. Dikko. “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.”
To signal Nigeria’s seriousness and readiness, the NSC Chairman has extended formal invitations to FIA Mr Stefano Domenicali, seven-time World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects, the globally renowned track designers, to visit Nigeria and engage directly with government and private sector stakeholders.
These visits will allow key decision-makers to hear firsthand Nigeria’s compelling proposal for hosting a world-class Grand Prix in Abuja.
As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria holds a commanding economic and political position on the continent. With extensive infrastructure, growing international appeal, and a thriving private sector, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to host Formula 1, delivering both the spectacle and logistical excellence the sport demands.
As Nigeria waits with anticipation to receive positive response from the FIA, one thing is for sure, The Abuja Grand Prix bid if successful represents a strategic fusion of sport, infrastructure development, tourism, and economic growth, setting the stage for a new era of motorsports in Africa.
