Lagos state is gearing up to host Africa’s maiden Electric Powerboat Racing Championship (E1 Series), and the city’s roads are set to feel the ripple effect of the landmark sporting event.
In a press statement released to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP and e-signed by the Lagos State Honorable Commissioner of Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi stated that, the announced traffic diversions is to ensure a seamless experience for both commuters and participants. The event is scheduled to run from Friday, October 3rd, to Sunday, October 5th, 2025, on the Victoria Island Lagoon.
According to the state government, the championship promises to attract global attention as Lagos becomes the first African city to welcome the futuristic E1 Series, which features electric-powered speedboats racing across waterways.
In anticipation of the crowd and logistical demands, authorities say the 1st Lekki Junction inward Ozumba Mbadiwe Road will be completely closed to traffic for the duration of the race. The move, they explained, is necessary to ease congestion and provide a safe environment around the event corridor.
Motorists are not left stranded, however, as several alternative routes have been mapped out. For those heading from Ajah into Lekki, the government advised making a U-turn at the Lekki 1st Junction by the pedestrian bridge. From there, drivers can navigate through Yesufu Abiodun, Maroko Police Station, City of David, and Ligali Ayorinde before connecting to Ajose Adeogun, Eko Hotel Roundabout, and onward to Ahmadu Bello Way.
Another option awaits motorists traveling from Ajah toward CMS. They can use the Abraham Adesanya route, link Ogonbo Road, continue through Okun Ajah Road, and connect via the Coastal Road to Ahmadu Bello Way before proceeding to Independence Bridge and McEwen/Onikan.
For drivers within Lekki heading toward Ikoyi or the Mainland, the Admiralty Way remains the preferred choice. It links to the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge, providing easy access through Alexander, Bourdillon, Gerrard, and Osborne Road.
Similarly, motorists from Lekki en route to CMS are advised to go through Yesufu Abiodun, connect Oniru Road, link Aboyade Cole, and drive down Ligali Ayorinde before merging onto Eko Hotel Roundabout and Ahmadu Bello Way.
Not all traffic will be restricted. Commuters traveling from CMS and Independence Bridge through Ozumba Mbadiwe toward the Lekki-Epe Expressway will enjoy unhindered movement straight to Ajah and beyond.
To further ease congestion, the government has announced designated parking spaces at Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and the Nigerian Law School premises, all located in Victoria Island. These facilities will serve as holding bays for vehicles of spectators and participants.
Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) are also expected to be strategically deployed across affected routes to ensure free-flowing traffic and to assist motorists unfamiliar with the diversions.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, assured residents that the measures are temporary and necessary to support Lagos’ ambition of becoming a hub for world-class sporting events.
He added that the Coastal Road will remain open throughout the two-day road diversion, offering some relief to commuters who may be worried about gridlock.
“Motorists are implored to be patient and cooperate with traffic officials,” the commissioner stated. “This diversion plan is part of our broader traffic management strategy to support the successful hosting of the E1 Boat Race.”
As Lagos transforms its waterways into a global sporting stage, residents are being reminded that while there may be temporary inconvenience on the roads, the event itself marks a historic moment for the city, signaling its growing reputation as a modern, innovative, and vibrant destination.
