The National Sports Commission (NSC) has declared Nigeria’s interest in hosting a Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix.

Shehu Dikko, the chairman of NSC, has appointed Opus Racing Promotions as its official representative for the bid to host the F1 race in Abuja.

Dikko also invited Stefano Domenicali, chief executive officer (CEO) of F1; Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time World F1 champion; and Tilke Engineers & Architects, the globally renowned track designers, to visit Nigeria and engage directly with government and private sector stakeholders.

“We are exploring all possibilities to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria as soon as practicable – not just as a sporting event, but as a catalytic driver of tourism, infrastructure development, youth engagement, economy and indeed soft power for Nigeria,” the NSC chairman said.

“A Nigerian Grand Prix would not only boost national pride but also strengthen our infrastructure, attract private investment, and create economic opportunities and jobs, firmly positioning sports as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s GDP growth and unity.”

If the bid becomes successful, Nigeria will be the first African country to host an F1 Grand Prix since South Africa did in 1993.

However, South Africa and Rwanda are also in talks to stage the event in their respective cities.

Formula 1 Grands Prix are often staged on specially built circuits for the racing cars. Sometimes, the races also utilise a combination of street roads and purpose-built race circuits.

Dikko said the bid, supported by BL Practice Hub, is a strategic move that underscores Nigeria’s growing global aspirations and its commitment to showcasing its capabilities to the world.