Positioned as a flagship sports tourism initiative, EKO 170 aims to showcase Lagos’s expanding infrastructure, scenic coastline and cultural vibrancy while promoting healthy living and sustainable mobility. The event has been endorsed by the Lagos State Government and aligns with its six strategic development pillars, including transportation, health, environment, education, technology, economic growth, tourism, security and governance.
More than 1,000 cyclists, ranging from elite professionals to amateur riders from Nigeria and abroad, are expected to take part.
Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, said the launch reflects the state’s growing ambition on the global stage.
“EKO 170 demonstrates Lagos’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and global excellence. This event underscores our readiness to host world-class experiences that inspire healthier lifestyles and reinforce Lagos’s reputation as Africa’s model megacity,” he said.
A Route Designed for Safety and Spectacle
The 170km route will start and finish at Eko Atlantic City, taking riders through Victoria Island, across the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, and along the Lekki–Epe Expressway to Epe before looping back for a grand finish.
Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and LASTMA, the course is planned to minimise traffic disruption while ensuring maximum safety for participants and residents.
Boosting Tourism and Community Engagement
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the event represents a major opportunity for the state’s creative and tourism sectors.
“The Cycling Challenge is a reminder of Lagos’s boundless potential as a global sports tourism destination. This event blends our city’s coastal beauty, world-class infrastructure and cultural energy into an experience that will attract visitors, empower local communities and inspire healthier lifestyles,” she said.
She added that EKO 170 would strengthen the tourism ecosystem by supporting small businesses, driving local participation and promoting deeper community engagement.
Sustainability and Legacy Projects
Organisers plan to deliver a zero-waste, carbon-neutral event through recycling, biodegradable materials and reusable containers. The effort is being coordinated with the Ministry of Environment, LAWMA and the Office of Sustainable Development Goals.
Beyond race day, the Gran Fondo will leave long-term benefits, including youth cycling clinics, a Lagos Cycling Development Fund and a tree-planting programme targeting 2,500 new trees across the state.
A Celebration of the Lagos Spirit
Backed by the Lagos State Government and supported by private sector partners, EKO 170 is being positioned not only as a sporting event but as a celebration of resilience, innovation and Lagos’s forward-looking identity.
As preparations intensify, residents, cycling enthusiasts and visitors are encouraged to take part in what organisers describe as a historic milestone for the state.