In a significant step toward bringing the renowned motorsport event to West Africa for the first time, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has formally announced Nigeria’s intention to host an F1 Grand Prix. For the proposal to hold the race in Abuja, the capital of the country, NSC chairman Shehu Dikko designated Opus Racing Promotions as the commission’s official agent.
Dikko formally invited seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, and Tilke Engineers & Architects; the internationally renowned designers of Formula 1 circuits, to visit Nigeria as part of the bidding process.
The NSC chairman stated, “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,”
“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.”
Nigeria would be the first African nation to host an F1 Grand Prix since South Africa did it in 1993 if the bid is accepted. But negotiations are also on for South Africa and Rwanda to host the event in their respective cities.
Specially constructed courses for the racing vehicles are frequently used to host Formula 1 Grands Prix. Street roads and specially constructed racetracks are occasionally used in conjunction for the races.
