Nigeria Formula 1 Grand Prix bid submitted to F1 bosses as Abuja eyes Africa’s first race in decades, promising global impact and tourism boost

Nigeria Formula 1 Grand Prix ambitions took centre stage this week as the country officially submitted a bid to host a Grand Prix in Abuja, potentially marking Formula 1’s long-awaited return to the African continent for the first time in over three decades.

Also read: E1 Lagos Grand Prix victory propels team Brazil into history

Announced by Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, the proposal has been formally presented to both the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 Management via Opus Racing Promotions, Nigeria’s official F1 partner.

“This bid is more than just about hosting a race,” said Dikko. “It is about showcasing Nigeria’s capacity, creativity, and commitment to developing world-class sporting infrastructure.It’s a landmark project that will redefine Nigeria’s place in global motorsport and sports tourism.”

If successful, Nigeria would host Africa’s first Formula 1 race since the 1993 South African Grand Prix, with Abuja positioned as a potential new hub for high-octane international sport.

The Abuja Grand Prix bid is backed by key government figures and private sector partners, with plans to boost tourism, infrastructure, and investment.

Invitations have already been extended to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects — the renowned German firm behind several Formula 1 circuits — for site inspections and stakeholder consultations in Abuja.

The bid follows Nigeria’s successful hosting of the E1 Lagos GP in october, Africa’s debut race in the all-electric powerboat series. The event drew widespread acclaim for its innovation and alignment with clean energy goals.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the race as “a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to innovation and sustainable technology.”

The Abuja bid comes at a time of renewed focus on Africa within F1 circles. Despite the continent’s large fanbase, Formula 1 has not hosted a race there in 32 years.

South Africa was previously in talks to revive the Kyalami circuit, but negotiations stalled.

Meanwhile, Nigeria is also vying to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking another bold stride in the country’s sports diplomacy.

If successful, it would be the first time an African nation hosts the centenary edition of the Games.

President Bola Tinubu has personally appealed to the Commonwealth, describing Nigeria as “ready to deliver a Games that reflects the unity and potential of Africa.”

F1’s expansion into Africa has been long championed by Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s only Black driver, who has often spoken about the need for greater African representation and engagement in motorsport.

“There’s no reason why Africa shouldn’t be part of the global F1 calendar,” Hamilton said during a previous press briefing. “The fanbase is massive, and the history runs deep.”

The Nigerian Grand Prix bid signals Africa’s resurgence in the motorsport conversation, offering both symbolic and economic significance.

For Nigeria, it represents a bold bet on sporting excellence, urban development, and global visibility.

Also read: E1 Lagos Grand Prix victory propels team Brazil into history

As Formula 1 continues to grow its footprint across new markets — from Las Vegas to Saudi Arabia — Abuja may yet become the next dazzling addition to the F1 world tour.