Fifty cyclists left Lagos on Friday. They are starting a 1,110-kilometre ride across four West African countries. This journey is a bold show of support for sustainable transport and climate action.
The event is organised by FT Cycle Care with help from the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and the Velo NG Community. The Tour D’Afrique 2026 7.0 started at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Onikan, Lagos, on Nigeria’s Democracy Day. The theme is “Riding Against Climate Change.”
The cyclists will ride for eight days. They will travel through Benin Republic, Ghana, and Togo. They plan to return to Lagos on June 19.
Organisers say this zero-emission journey will prevent about 12.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. This is compared to what would be produced if people used motor vehicles for the same distance.
The tour supports three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These are SDG 13 on Climate Action, SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.
The initiative also marks the 51st anniversary of ECOWAS. It promotes the One Africa agenda.
Femi Thomas is a board member of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and the lead organiser of the tour. He said Africa can lead the world in climate solutions. He stated, “We ride to show that a sustainable, united, and prosperous West Africa is possible.”
Organisers hope Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will welcome the team when they return on June 19. They also want the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Hajiya Fatimah Momoh, to support this initiative. This is seen as a way for Nigeria to show its commitment to green tourism and regional integration.
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