Nigeria has formally submitted its bid to the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) to host the 2031 African Games, signalling the nation’s ambition to once again welcome Africa’s premier multi-sport event nearly 25 years after successfully staging the 2003 edition (COJA).
The bid presentation was delivered during high-level engagements with the AUSC, where Nigeria reaffirmed its readiness and capacity to host another world-class continental sporting festival. The presentation was led by respected sports broadcaster and administrator Mainasara Illo, who represented Nigeria before the council.
Nigeria has consistently demonstrated strong organisational capacity through the successful hosting of several major international sporting events. These include the CAA Africa U18/U20 Athletics Championships, Africa Karate Championship, ITTF Africa Youth Table Tennis Championship, African Armwrestling Championship, Badminton National Open, West Africa Para Games, and the African Cadet and Junior Taekwondo Championship, among others.
These accomplishments underline the country’s sustained preparation and proven ability to host an event of the scale and significance of the African Games.
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Central to Nigeria’s growing influence in continental sports development are the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, whose leadership has consistently advanced Nigeria’s sports economy agenda. Under their stewardship, key reforms and strategic investments have been implemented, delivering measurable economic and developmental outcomes.
The successful hosting of the CAA U18/U20 Africa Athletics Championships generated significant economic impact, stimulating activity across multiple value chains. Over 5,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) benefited from increased patronage, injecting substantial liquidity into the local economy.
Similarly, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label race, has evolved into a major global showcase for Nigeria, boosting tourism, enhancing international visibility, and attracting elite athletes from around the world.
Nigeria also hosted the 2024 Africa Military Games, an event that strengthened the country’s soft power, deepened regional cooperation, and advanced military diplomacy across the continent.
In addition, the West Africa Para Games and several other sporting events hosted in Nigeria created hundreds of direct jobs while indirectly impacting thousands more across sectors such as hospitality, transportation, tourism, security, merchandising, and event services.
Nigeria’s bid to host the 2031 African Games is driven by a forward-looking vision that positions sports as a catalyst for national development. Beyond competition, sport remains a powerful vehicle for fostering unity, empowering youth, stimulating economic growth, and strengthening national pride across the federation.
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