Nigeria Seeks to Host F1 Grand Prix in Abuja, Targets First African Race Since 1993

Nigeria has officially entered the race to host a Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix, aiming to become the first African country to stage the prestigious event since South Africa in 1993.

The National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Shehu Dikko, announced its ambition and has appointed Opus Racing Promotions as the official representative for Nigeria’s bid. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

F1 Officials, Lewis Hamilton Invited to Abuja

To strengthen the proposal, Dikko has invited top F1 figures to Abuja, including:

• Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO

• Lewis Hamilton, seven-time World Champion

• Tilke Engineers & Architects, world-renowned F1 circuit designers

Discussions with government officials and private sector stakeholders are expected to focus on infrastructure, tourism, and investment opportunities.

“A Driver for Tourism and Economic Growth” – Dikko

Speaking on the bid, Dikko emphasized that the project goes beyond sports:

“We are exploring all possibilities to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria as soon as practicable — not just as a sporting event, but as a driver for tourism, infrastructure, youth engagement, economic growth, and national unity.”

If successful, the Grand Prix could boost Nigeria’s global image, attract foreign investments, create jobs, and position sports as a major contributor to the country’s GDP.

Tough Competition from Other African Nations

Nigeria faces competition from South Africa and Rwanda, who are also exploring bids to host the F1 Grand Prix on African soil.