Africa Moves Closer To Historic Commonwealth Games Hosting After Nigeria’s Push In Glasgow

Africa has taken a major step towards securing the hosting rights of the 2034 Commonwealth Games following a successful intervention by Nigeria at the 12th Commonwealth Sports Ministers’ Meeting in Glasgow, Scotland.

The landmark development came after the Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, rallied Commonwealth nations to support the idea of giving Africa the opportunity to stage the Games for the first time in the event’s 100-year history.

Addressing delegates at the ministerial meeting, Dikko argued that the Commonwealth Games’ legacy would remain incomplete without Africa playing host to the multi-sport event. He called for a deliberate and collective commitment by member countries to reserve consideration of the 2034 edition for the continent.

The proposal received unanimous backing from Commonwealth sports ministers, resulting in an amendment to the official communiqué to reflect the collective position that Africa should be considered for the 2034 hosting rights.

Dikko described the move as a historic milestone, stressing that Africa’s inclusion as a host would mark a significant new chapter in the evolution of the Commonwealth Games.

Beyond the hosting conversation, the NSC Chairman also pushed for reforms to modernise the Games and improve their global appeal. He advocated the inclusion of additional sports, including football, while suggesting multi-city hosting models to reduce costs, increase accessibility and make the competition more attractive to potential hosts.

During the meeting, Dikko also presented Nigeria’s national statement, outlining ongoing reforms in the country’s sports sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the NSC’s RHINSE framework.

He highlighted efforts focused on improving sports governance, developing infrastructure, discovering and nurturing talent, and expanding the sports economy to create a more sustainable future for Nigerian athletics.

The Glasgow outcome represents a significant diplomatic victory for Nigeria and a major boost to Africa’s ambition of hosting the Commonwealth Games for the first time, while opening wider discussions on the future direction and relevance of the global sporting event.