Lagos shuts terminals, jetties temporarily for powerboat racing

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Waterways Authority, has announced the temporary closure of all private and commercial jetties and terminals along the Five Cowries Creek for the upcoming E1 Championship — the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing tournament.

In a statement released on Monday, LASWA said the closure will take place from Friday, October 3, to Sunday, October 5, 2025, to ensure safety and smooth event operations.

According to the agency, there will be a partial closure from Falomo Bridge to Oriental Hotel between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, while on Friday, there will be a total closure from Oriental Hotel to Mekwen Bridge between 10 am and 6 p.m.

It added that on Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, there will also be a total closure from Falomo Bridge to Oriental Hotel between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.

LASWA explained that the temporary closure is to facilitate the successful hosting of the championship, which will be held along the Five Cowries Creek during the period.

“The waterways restriction is a vital safety and security measure to ensure seamless event operations, safeguard lives, and project Lagos as a world-class destination for international sporting events,” the statement read in part.

The E1 Championship, launched by Alejandro Agag, founder of Formula E and Extreme E, and Rodi Basso, a former Formula 1 engineer, is designed to revolutionise water sports through cutting-edge technology and sustainability.

The championship features high-speed electric RaceBird boats that “fly” above the water on hydrofoils, drastically reducing drag and emissions.

Structured as a city-to-city series, the tournament has been hosted in global destinations such as Jeddah, Monaco, and Venice, with Lagos now set to become the first African city to host the event.

LASWA noted that hosting the championship will promote eco-tourism, investment, and innovation in Africa’s blue economy, while positioning Lagos on the global sporting map.

Normal operations at the affected jetties and terminals will resume on Monday, October 6, 2025.

“The Lagos State Government appreciates your patience and understanding as we work together to deliver this historic world championship,” LASWA concluded.

On July 20 2025, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced that the state will host Africa’s first-ever E1 Championship on October 4 and 5, 2025.

The governor made this known in a statement via his official X account.

I’m proud to share that Lagos will become the first African city to host the E1 Championship on October 4th and 5th, 2025. That’s a major milestone for the sport and for what it says about our city,” he stated.

According to the governor, Lagos’ hosting of the global event affirms the state’s readiness to join international conversations on sustainable energy and innovation in marine transport.

“It shows that Lagos is ready to be part of the global conversation on clean energy, sustainability, and new approaches to marine transportation,” the governor stated.