Nigeria has officially declared its interest in hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the capital city, Abuja. This move aims to bring the world’s biggest motorsport event back to Africa for the first time in over three decades.
The National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Mallam Shehu Dikko, submitted the bid. The commission has appointed Opus Racing Promotions, co-led by former footballer Marvin Sordell, to manage the proposal. The company will work with Formula 1 management and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
In April 2025, Opus presented the plan in Abuja. By May, they were officially selected to negotiate on Nigeria’s behalf. Invitations have been sent to key figures in F1, including F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers, to visit Abuja.
The bid is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Sports and Economy (RHINSE). It aims to boost job creation, tourism, and infrastructure. The plan also hopes to inspire Nigerian youth and place Nigeria on the global sporting map. Hosting a Grand Prix in Abuja could generate massive economic benefits. For example, the Miami Grand Prix brought in over $2.5 billion. Nigeria hopes to see similar results, especially in hospitality, transport, and tech innovation.
If successful, this would be the first Formula 1 race in West Africa, and only the second ever held on the African continent. The last African Grand Prix was held in Kyalami, South Africa, in 1993.Other countries like South Africa and Rwanda have also shown interest. However, Nigeria is the first to submit an official, government-backed bid.
To host the race, Nigeria will need a Grade 1 FIA-certified racetrack. That means Abuja must build a new, world-class circuit. Opus and Tilke Engineers are expected to lead this task.While Lagos has a separate racetrack project underway, the government has chosen Abuja as the official host city. F1 officials will now assess Nigeria’s proposal through on-site visits and detailed planning reviews.
The news has sparked excitement online. Many fans, especially Nigerians, are thrilled. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has previously called for Formula 1 to return to Africa. He believes it’s long overdue.
Sports experts also see great potential. They say the Grand Prix can bring in foreign investors, create jobs, and inspire new generations of engineers and racers.Still, there are challenges. The project will need strong infrastructure, power supply, traffic control, and safety standards. Nigeria must also meet the strict requirements set by FIA and Formula 1.
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