Lagos Unveils 170km ‘EKO 170’ Cycling Challenge to Position City as Global Sports Tourism Hub

Lagos State is gearing up to establish itself as a leading destination for sports tourism with the launch of the Lagos Gran Fondo cycling event, tagged “EKO 170,” scheduled for January 11, 2026. The 170-kilometre citywide challenge aims to promote healthy living, sustainable mobility, and spotlight the state’s modern infrastructure, scenic coastline, and vibrant culture.

Endorsed by the Lagos State Government, EKO 170 aligns with the administration’s six strategic development pillars, which include traffic management and transportation, health and environment, education and technology, a 21st-century economy, entertainment and tourism, as well as security and governance. Over 1,000 cyclists, ranging from elite professionals to amateur riders from Nigeria and abroad, are expected to participate.

Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said the event reflects Lagos’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and global excellence. “EKO 170 demonstrates our readiness to host world-class experiences that inspire healthy lifestyles and reinforce Lagos’s reputation as Africa’s model megacity,” he noted. The 170km route, starting and ending at Eko Atlantic City, will take participants through Victoria Island, the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, and along the Lekki–Epe Expressway to Epe, before returning to a grand finish. The route, developed with the Ministry of Transportation and LASTMA, is designed to ensure safety and minimal disruption to traffic.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, emphasized that the challenge underscores Lagos’s potential as a global sports tourism destination. She described it as a blend of world-class infrastructure, coastal beauty, and rich cultural energy that will attract visitors, empower communities, and promote wellness.

Beyond the race, EKO 170 will feature youth cycling clinics, a Lagos Cycling Development Fund, and a tree-planting campaign targeting 2,500 trees across the state. In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, LAWMA, and the Office of Sustainable Development Goals, organisers plan to deliver a zero-waste, carbon-neutral event through recycling, biodegradable materials, and reusable containers.