Nigeria has officially joined the global race to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, submitting a formal bid to bring the high-octane motorsport to its capital city, Abuja. If successful, the move would mark the return of Formula 1 to Africa for the first time in over three decades, placing Nigeria at the center of the international sporting spotlight.
Announcing the bold move, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, called it a “historic milestone” and a major leap toward positioning Nigeria as a global hub for world-class sporting events. Dikko emphasized that the proposal is more than just about racing—it’s part of a broader national strategy to boost tourism, attract foreign investment, build infrastructure, and stimulate economic growth.
The bid is being spearheaded by Opus Racing Promotions, officially appointed as Nigeria’s representative in the proposal. Their role includes liaising with Formula 1 management and key stakeholders to advance the project.
According to Dikko, this initiative falls directly in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE)—a national blueprint aimed at unlocking the potential of the sports sector to drive economic development.
Formula 1, often described as the pinnacle of motorsport, features single-seater race cars known for their blistering speed, cutting-edge technology, and aerodynamic precision. These vehicles are powered by hybrid power units that combine 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engines with advanced energy recovery systems, producing up to 1,000 horsepower. They can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 2.5 seconds and reach top speeds of over 350 km/h. The series hosts races in some of the most glamorous cities across the globe—from Monaco to Singapore—and draws millions of fans both at the track and online.
Nigeria’s bid to host a race is seen as a game-changer for the African continent. While South Africa last hosted a Grand Prix in 1993 at the Kyalami circuit, the continent has since been left off the F1 calendar. Nigeria aims to change that. With Abuja as the proposed venue, officials believe the city offers the infrastructure, international accessibility, and ambition to meet Formula 1’s strict logistical and technical requirements.
Dikko revealed that invitations have already been extended to Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, and the renowned Tilke Engineers & Architects, the firm behind the design of many iconic F1 circuits worldwide. These stakeholders will visit Abuja in the coming months to assess the city’s potential and hold meetings with government and private sector partners.
“Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy with a youthful population, rising middle class, and a growing passion for motorsport,” Dikko said. “Hosting a Formula 1 race here would not only boost our global image but create thousands of jobs, inspire innovation, and leave a lasting legacy in terms of infrastructure and sports development.”
The proposed Abuja Grand Prix would likely be a street circuit—similar to those in Singapore and Azerbaijan—showcasing the capital’s unique landscape and urban aesthetics. The race would also serve as a powerful magnet for tourism, attracting international visitors and media attention while opening doors for local businesses and hospitality sectors.
Earlier this year, Dikko hosted officials from Opus Racing for high-level discussions in Abuja, which helped shape the bid’s technical framework. Since then, the initiative has received overwhelming support from the federal government, corporate sponsors, and Nigerian sports institutions, marking a united push to make history.
Should Nigeria succeed in its bid, it would not only bring the roar of Formula 1 engines back to Africa but also cement the country’s place as a modern sporting powerhouse ready to engage with the world on the highest level.
