EKO 170 Set to Transform Lagos into Africa’s Cycling Capital

The Lagos Gran Fondo ‘EKO 170’ is set to debut on 11 January 2026, marking a transformative moment for Lagos as it positions itself as a global hub for sports tourism, healthy living, and sustainable mobility.

This 170-kilometre mass participation cycling challenge will weave through the city’s iconic infrastructure and scenic coastline, offering a vibrant showcase of Lagos’s urban energy and cultural richness.

Endorsed by the Lagos State Government, EKO 170 aligns with the administration’s six strategic development pillars: traffic management and transportation, health and environment, education and technology, building a 21st-century economy, entertainment and tourism, and security and governance.

The event is expected to draw over 1,000 cyclists, including elite professionals and amateur enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond.

Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, emphasized the event’s significance, stating that EKO 170 reflects Lagos’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global excellence.

He described the challenge as a world class experience that promotes healthier lifestyles and reinforces Lagos’s reputation as Africa’s model megacity.

The race route will begin and end at Eko Atlantic City, passing through Victoria Island, the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, and the Lekki–Epe Expressway to Epe, before looping back for a grand finish.

Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and LASTMA, the route is designed to minimize traffic disruption and ensure maximum safety for both participants and residents.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, highlighted the event’s potential to elevate Lagos’s profile as a sports tourism destination.

She noted that the challenge blends the city’s coastal beauty, modern infrastructure, and cultural vibrancy into an experience that will attract visitors, empower communities, and stimulate the creative economy. The Ministry of Tourism is proud to support an initiative that boosts small businesses and showcases the best of Lagos.

Beyond race day, EKO 170 aims to leave a lasting legacy through youth cycling clinics, the Lagos Cycling Development Fund, and a tree-planting campaign targeting 2,500 new trees across the state.

In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, LAWMA, and the Office of Sustainable Development Goals, organizers are committed to delivering a zero-waste, carbon-neutral event using recycling, biodegradable materials, and reusable containers.