By OLANREWAJU AKOJEDE

The Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) on Monday, said that Nigeria has met the deadline for expression of interest to bid for the Commonwealth Games in 2030 in Abuja.

Tony Nezianya, the Public Relations Officer of NOC made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos on Monday.

He said that NOC after Its executive committee meeting on April 3, in Abuja, announced that the body had met the March 28 deadline for expression of interest for a bid process.

?Nigeria can only commence a formal bid if the Federal Government gives a backing to the project,? Nezianya said.

He added that Nigeria?s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja would present a unique opportunity to showcase its development, enhance its global standing, and invigorate its sports culture.

?Nigeria last hosted a major multi-sport event ? the African Games ? in 2003 (COJA 2003) hosted in Abuja.

?The country used the platform to demonstrate its capability and commitment to organising large-scale international events.

?That experience will provide a solid foundation for Nigeria to host again, showcasing its ability to manage the logistics, hospitality, and infrastructure development required by such events.

?This would also provide a compelling narrative for the nation?s progress and readiness,? Nezianya said.

He said that a bid process would enhance an investment in Sports infrastructure.

?Bidding for the Games can catalyse investments in sports infrastructure and facilities across the country, particularly in Abuja.

?This can revitalise the local sports-economy and improve national sports facilities for future generations.

?Hosting the Games will initiate the construction and upgrading of sports venues, transportation systems, and accommodations, creating lasting benefits for the sports community and the general population.

?This can significantly boost tourism by attracting visitors from around the world. This influx would undoubtedly support local businesses, create jobs, and boost the hospitality sector,? he said.

Nezianya added that the preparation and execution phases of the Games would generate numerous jobs, from event management to construction, fostering local enterprise and skills development.

?It will inspire a new generation of athletes by providing them with the motivation and support to pursue excellence in sports.

?It will position Nigeria as a country that values athletic achievement and foster talents. It will serve as a compelling force for National unity by fostering peace and facilitating Nigeria?s cultural diversity,? he said.

Meanwhile, other significant events on the schedule include the Olympic Committees of African (ANOCA) School Sports? Games in Algeria, to be staged from July 5 to July 13,? he said.

Nezianya added that the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia was also scheduled to run from Nov. 7 to Nov. 31.

?Conversely, Angola will host the ANOCA Youth Games Luanda between Dec. 5 and Dec.20 this year.

?The next Commonwealth will be hosted in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2026. This will run from March 17 to March 29, 2026.

?Indeed, the Scots were the eventual hosts of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which could have served as the centennial Games of the amalgamation of Nigeria?s southern and northern protectorates.

?Nigeria had lost the bid to host the Games in Colombo, Sri Lanka,? he said.

Nezianya also disclosed that Africa has been awarded the Youth Olympic Games for the first time as Dakar, Senegal, won the right to host the Games, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 13, 2026.

?However, Milano Cortina won to host the Winter Olympic Games from Feb. 6 to Feb. 22, 2027 while Equatorial Guinea was named to host the African Beach Games in 2027.

?Egypt would host the 14th African Games, Egypt from Jan. 20 to Feb. 7, 2027.

?The quadrennial would be rounded up with the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028 in the USA, from July 14 to July 30, 2028.

?The winter Olympics will take place in the US in 2028 at a yet to be determined city,? he concluded. (NAN)

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