Nigeria Bids to Bring Formula 1 Back to Africa with $500m Abuja Circuit Plan

Nigeria has formally submitted a proposal to host Africa’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix in over three decades with a detailed $500 million plan to construct an international-grade motorsport circuit in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The bid, coordinated by Opus Race Promotions, is led by former Premier League footballer Marvin Sordell, in partnership with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s sports and infrastructure ecosystem.

The initiative aims to secure a place on the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar, making Nigeria the first African nation to host an F1 race since South Africa’s Kyalami circuit in 1993.

According to official sources, the project scope includes:

• A FIA-compliant race circuit in Abuja

• A karting track to support youth development

• A motorsport innovation hub

• Hospitality infrastructure including hotels, restaurants, and a motorsport museum

In April 2025, Opus Race Promotions was invited to present its feasibility plan to Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission.

By May, the firm had been appointed to negotiate directly with F1’s commercial rights holders and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) on behalf of the Nigerian government.

The bid aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes large-scale investments in tourism, infrastructure, and youth empowerment through international partnerships.

“We see sport not only as entertainment but as a strategic pillar for economic growth, job creation, and global engagement,” said a senior government official involved in the project.

If approved, the Abuja Grand Prix would represent a transformative investment in Nigeria’s sports economy with estimated benefits including increased tourism revenue, global media exposure, and substantial employment opportunities across construction, logistics, hospitality, and media sectors.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is expected to review the Abuja proposal as part of preliminary evaluations. Industry insiders suggest that the bid is well-positioned given growing calls to return F1 to the African continent, a market with vast growth potential and increasing fan engagement.

Seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has previously expressed strong support for a Grand Prix in Africa, citing the need for greater inclusion and representation in global motorsport.

In addition to Nigeria, both South Africa and Rwanda have shown interest in hosting an F1 event, making the selection process competitive.

However, Nigeria’s bid has drawn attention for its scope, strategic positioning in West Africa, and government-level support.

The proposed project is expected to be financed through a blend of public-private partnerships, foreign direct investment, and corporate sponsorship.

Nigerian officials have confirmed that early-stage investor engagement is ongoing, with interest from international motorsport developers, infrastructure firms and hospitality brands.

Opus Race Promotions has also indicated plans to integrate STEM and motorsport education programs, targeting Nigerian youth and technical institutions as part of the project’s long-term legacy.

A successful bid could place Nigeria at the center of Africa’s motorsport economy and enhance its status as a destination for global sporting events.

Final confirmation from F1 authorities is expected in the coming months. If approved, construction is projected to begin in early 2026 with race hosting possible by the 2027 F1 season.