President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of sports, which he described as a unifying force. He added that the country is not only poised to excel at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, but also preparing a formal bid to host the 2030 Centenary edition of the Games.

  Speaking during a symbolic presentation of the King’s Baton Relay ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to hold between July 23 and August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland, the president, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said that the present administration is committed to uniting Nigeria through sports.

 He urged Nigerian athletes to train hard and remain patriotic ambassadors of the country, saying that they carry the hopes of over 250 million citizens.

  He said: “We reiterate our dedication to promoting peace through sports. The arrival of the King’s Baton from June 27 to July 2 is a testament to our commitment to the Commonwealth family and the ideals it represents.

   “The arrival of King’s Baton is more than just a relay; it is an opportunity to showcase our rich cultural heritage, vibrant diversity, and boundless potential. It allows us to reiterate our dedication to peace, understanding our sustainable development through the unifying power of sports.

   “We recognise the symbolism of this Baton, much like the Olympic Torch, ignites a collective passion and shared anticipation and renewed determination as we look forward to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Our athletes have consistently demonstrated their prowess on the global stage and brought glory and honour to our country.”

   Also speaking at the event, NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, noted that Nigeria is preparing a formal bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the 100th anniversary of the event.

   He said Nigeria’s hosting ambition is backed by years of planning and strategic investment in sporting facilities, partnerships, and athlete development.

  Dikko said: “Nigeria stands in the spotlight, not only as a proud member of the Commonwealth family, but as a nation ready to inspire, celebrate, and lead. For the next couple of days, the attention of the Commonwealth and indeed the world is focused on Nigeria as we host the Baton.

  “This moment also offers us the platform to announce that, subject to presidential approval, Nigeria intends to formally bid to host the 2030 Centenary Edition of the Commonwealth Games.”

  The Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, explained that Nigeria’s preparation for the Games is not a spur-of-the-moment effort, but a well-coordinated strategy that began long before the current leadership was appointed.

   He said: “This is one of those cultural events that occur every few years, sometimes even decades. So, it didn’t come to us as a surprise. Preparations had already begun before Shehu Dikko and I were appointed. The Local Organising Committee (LOC), working closely with the technical staff of the Commission, had been laying the groundwork.