Nigeria wants to host a Formula 1 race in Abuja after 30 years without one.
The plan could bring jobs, visitors, and attention, but safety and planning remain big issues.
In a historic move, Nigeria has officially launched its campaign to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, aiming to return the premier motorsport event to Africa for the first time in over three decades.
The National Sports Commission (NSC), under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, has appointed OPUS Racing Promotions to spearhead the ambitious initiative. If successful, Nigeria would become the first African country to host a Formula 1 race since South Africa last did so in 1993.
Hosting a Grand Prix could significantly boost Nigeria’s economy, open up foreign investment opportunities, and improve the country’s global reputation. According to the NSC, the event is expected to attract international spectators and motorsport fans, garnering global media attention and driving tourism, infrastructure development, and job creation.
“We see this as more than just a race,” said a source close to the project. “It’s about showcasing Nigeria’s capacity to host world-class events and rewriting the narrative about the nation.”
However, the plan comes amid complex security and logistical concerns. Nigeria continues to battle terrorism, especially in the northern region, and questions remain about the feasibility of organizing an event of this scale.
Despite the challenges, the government appears undeterred. Discussions have begun with key stakeholders, including the FIA and F1 rights holders, while preliminary assessments of infrastructure requirements are already underway. The proposal includes a potential street circuit in Abuja that would integrate iconic city landmarks and meet F1’s strict technical specifications.
Meanwhile, Nigeria faces competition from other African nations also pursuing F1 bids. South Africa, which last hosted a race at Kyalami in 1993, is actively working toward a return. Morocco and Rwanda have also expressed interest, with Kigali positioning itself as a rising hub for major international events.
Formula 1 has long been criticized for its absence in Africa, the only continent currently without a race on the F1 calendar. The sport’s leadership, including F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, has acknowledged the need to expand the series’ global footprint, with Africa frequently cited as a priority.
If approved, the Abuja Grand Prix would mark a transformative moment for African motorsport and could signal a broader return of elite global sporting events to the continent.
