Cyclists ride 1,110km across West Africa for climate

Fifty cyclists departed Lagos on Friday, embarking on a 1,110-kilometre cross-border expedition across four West African countries in a bold demonstration of sustainable transport and climate advocacy.

Organised by FT Cycle Care in conjunction with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and the Velo NG Community, the Tour D’Afrique 2026 7.0 kicked off at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Onikan, Lagos, on Nigeria’s Democracy Day, with the theme “Riding Against Climate Change.”

The eight-day ride will pass through Benin Republic, Ghana and Togo before the cyclists return to Lagos on June 19.

Organisers say the zero-emissions journey — covering 1,110 kilometres entirely by bicycle — will prevent an estimated 12.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions compared to equivalent travel by motor vehicle.

The tour is designed to directly support three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 13 on Climate Action, SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.

Organisers say the initiative also celebrates the 51st anniversary of ECOWAS while promoting the One Africa agenda.

Femi Thomas, board member of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and lead organiser of the tour, said Africa had the capacity to lead the world on climate solutions, saying, “We ride to show that a sustainable, united, and prosperous West Africa is possible.”

Organisers called on Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to receive the team on their return on June 19, and urged the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Hajiya Fatimah Momoh, to formally endorse the initiative as a showcase of Nigeria’s commitment to green tourism and regional integration.