In what is described as move that could mark the sport’s return to the African continent for the first time since 1993, Nigeria has officially announced its preparedness to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja.
This development follows the success of the inaugural E1 Lagos GP in March, which marked Africa’s debut in the all-electric powerboat series.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who confirmed the development, disclosed that the bid has been formally submitted to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 Management (FOM) through Opus Racing Promotions, which serves as Nigeria’s representative in the negotiation process.
“This bid is more than just about hosting a race. It is about showcasing Nigeria’s capacity, creativity, and commitment to developing world-class sporting infrastructure,” Dikko stated.
“It is a landmark project that will redefine Nigeria’s place in global motorsport and sports tourism.”
According to Dikko, invitations have reportedly been extended to F1 Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali, racing legend Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects, the global design firm behind most modern F1 circuits, to visit Abuja for site inspection and stakeholder meetings.
