Over 300 foreigners storm Lagos for Nigeria’s first-ever electric boat racing

Lagos State, leading commercial centre in Nigeria which stands at forefront of innovation in various fronts is again demonstrating that with hosting of the first ever Electric Boat Racing competition.

It is said that over 300 foreigners from European, Western and Asian countries are in Lagos for the boat racing sports taking place on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Lagos Sea behind Civic Centre.

The boats designed like fighter jets are entirely powered by electric rather than fossil fuels which makes them eco-friendly and exciting. Some of the visitors expressed excitement of being in Nigeria, a country with good weather and sunshine.

Read also: Lagos Trade Fair demolition: Test of impunity, justice, compassion Obi

The competing teams are Celebrity-backed vying to become Champions of the Water, driving gender equality and raising awareness of challenges to marine ecosystems. Each team comprise males and females who will race in the boats.

Some of the celebrities backing the teams are Steve Aoki, Marcelo Claure, Marc Anthony, Tom Brady, LeBron James, Virat Kohli, Rafeal Nadal, Didier Drogba and Will Smith,

Gbenga Omotosho, Lagos state information commissioner told BusinessDay that the competition is about innovation, creativity and the spirit of Lagos.

Believing that the sports will further open the economy, Omotosho said “the sports is all about Lagos joining the rest of the world as a model mega city where businesses can thrive, where innovation can thrive”.

“This sport is the kind of thing that we have never seen here before. So, for us in Lagos, we are joining the conversation about sustainability, about clean energy, about low emission so that the world can know that all of the things we are saying about climate change, that Lagos is also part of the conversation.

“For us, it’s much more than a race. It’s about our culture, It’s all about our economy. It’s all about Lagos, it is about GDP, this is going to boost the economy. Already, some of the hotels around the venue are fully booked”, he said.

The commissioner promised that the sports which is supported by some brands will be part of Lagos calendar.

Read also: Amani Health inspires 150 Lagos children to dream big, build futures

Also speaking to BusinessDay, Team Alula backed by LeBron James said they have competed in five cities around the world this year. She said she is excited to be in Lagos for the competition.

Patricia of Team Miami with her partner Anthony from Monaco , France said she is excited to be part of boat racing series which is an international championship.

Sarah Price said the games had been held in Monaco, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Italy, Miami and she looks forward to exciting racing on Saturday.