Nigeria has formally submitted a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, potentially making it the first African country in over three decades to stage the iconic motorsport event.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, made the announcement on Wednesday, calling it a “historic milestone” in the country’s quest to cement its place on the global sports stage.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Dikko revealed that Opus Racing Promotions has been appointed as Nigeria’s official representative for the bid. He emphasized that the move is not just about sports it’s also a strategic push to boost tourism, infrastructure, and economic development.

“We are exploring all possibilities to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria as soon as practicable, not just as a sporting event, but as a catalyst for tourism, infrastructure growth, youth engagement, and economic transformation,” said Dikko.

The bid, he explained, is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which seeks to reposition the sector to attract foreign investment, increase exports, and contribute more significantly to GDP.

According to Dikko, hosting an F1 race would elevate national pride, generate global attention, create thousands of jobs, and drive improvements in critical infrastructure.

To show its seriousness, Nigeria has extended invitations to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects, the German firm behind several iconic F1 circuits to visit Abuja and engage with key stakeholders.

 “Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, with growing infrastructure, global appeal, and a vibrant private sector,” Dikko said. “We believe we are uniquely positioned to deliver both the spectacle and the logistical excellence Formula 1 demands.”

He added that the proposed Abuja Grand Prix would not only mark a new chapter for motorsport in Africa but also blend elite sport with tourism and long-term economic impact.

Earlier in April, Dikko hosted a delegation from Opus Racing in Abuja for in-depth discussions on the proposal. The bid has since gained strong backing from the federal government, private sector leaders, and major players in the Nigerian sports ecosystem.