Lagos announces two-day traffic diversion for powerboat championship

The Lagos state government has announced a two-day traffic diversion in parts of Victoria Island for the Electric Powerboat Racing Championship (E1 Series).

The championship is scheduled to hold on the inland waterways of Victoria Island lagoon from October 4 to 5.

In a statement on Tuesday, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, commissioner for transportation, said there will be total road closure at the 1st Lekki junction, inward Ozumba Mbadiwe, during the event.

He said motorists from Ajah heading to Lekki are expected to make a U-turn at Lekki 1st junction by the pedestrian bridge to link Yesufu Abiodun, Maroko Police Station, City of David, Ligali Ayorinde, Ajose Adeogun, and Eko Hotel roundabout before continuing to Ahmadu Bello Way, Independence Bridge, and Onikan.

Alternatively, motorists from Ajah heading towards CMS can go through Abraham Adesanya to connect Ogonbo Road and Okun Ajah Road, before linking Coastal Road to Ahmadu Bello Way, Independence Bridge, and Onikan.

For motorists from Lekki and its environs heading to Ikoyi or the mainland, the advisory directs them to use Admiralty Way to access the Lekki Link Bridge, then connect Alexander Road, Bourdillon, Gerrard Road, and Osborne Road.

Those going from Lekki to CMS can connect Yesufu Abiodun to Oniru Road, then through Aboyade Cole and Ligali Ayorinde, before proceeding to Eko Hotel roundabout and Ahmadu Bello Way.

However, motorists coming from CMS, Independence Bridge, and Ozumba Mbadiwe inward Lekki-Epe expressway will have uninterrupted passage to Ajah and other parts of the axis.

Osiyemi added that designated parking spaces will be available at Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and the Nigerian Law School premises in Victoria Island.

He said the coastal road will remain open to traffic during the two-day restriction, urging motorists to cooperate with officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who will be strategically deployed along all event routes to ensure smooth flow.

“Motorists are implored to be patient as the diversion is part of the traffic management plans for the E1 boat race event,” the statement reads.

The E1 Series is the first international championship for electric powerboats, created to showcase clean technology and sustainability in water sports.

The contest is powered by RaceBirds — battery-driven hydrofoil vessels that can reach speeds of about 93km/h while gliding above the water surface to cut down drag, noise and carbon emissions.

The series began in 2024 with races in Jeddah, Venice and Monaco. With the Lagos leg, Nigeria will become the first African country to host the event.

Organisers say the Lagos Grand Prix aligns with the state’s push to advance eco-friendly transportation and innovation on its waterways.

The championship also stands out for its gender balance, as each team must include male and female pilots.

Beyond the racing spectacle, the event is expected to attract international attention, boost tourism, and reinforce Lagos’ image as a cultural and economic hub in Africa.