Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton have been invited to assess Abuja’s readiness alongside circuit designers Tilke GmbH.
Nigeria has formally entered the race to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, which would mark Africa’s first such event since South Africa hosted in 1993.
National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko announced the bid Wednesday, calling it a “historic and strategic move” to position Nigeria on the global sports stage. Opus Racing Promotions has been appointed as the official representative for the bid.
“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, and economic growth,” Dikko said.
The bid aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), aiming to boost GDP and attract foreign investment.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton have been invited to assess Abuja’s readiness alongside circuit designers Tilke GmbH.