By VIVIAN AHANMISI

Preparations have heightened for the E1 Lagos GP Boat Race Championship, scheduled to hold from Oct. 4 to Oct. 5 across Lagos waterways.

The Lagos State Government has assured participants, residents and visitors of maximum safety, saying the state is fully prepared to host the world-class international boat racing event.

Emmanuel Oluwadamilola, General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), said on Friday the government had over the years invested heavily in water transport infrastructure and safety measures.

He explained that Lagos had combined physical upgrades with advanced technology, making it the safest state for water transport operations in Nigeria.

Oluwadamilola said patrol boats had been deployed, while the Marine Police and Nigerian Navy would provide surveillance to strengthen security during the two-day international championship.

“Lagos even has a modern control room. We now use technology to monitor waterways, making this the best time for such events,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The control room is equipped with tracking devices, communication tools and emergency response systems, ensuring swift reaction to any incident during the prestigious global race.

According to him, shoreline cleaning, provision of security boats, and the designation of docking zones for competing vessels have also been concluded ahead of the event.

He added that medical teams, safety officers and emergency response units would be stationed across strategic points to guarantee smooth and secure operations throughout the competition.

The E1 Lagos GP Is Africa’s first electric powerboat racing series, and Lagos will make history as the first African city to host it.

Oluwadamilola stressed that the championship would not only showcase sport but also highlight Lagos’ potential as a hub for the blue economy and tourism development.

He said the event would promote Lagos as an international centre for recreation, investment and global partnership in maritime and water-based sporting activities.

“We are delighted this championship is happening in Lagos. It proves the state can successfully host global events and showcase its waterways to the world,” he stressed. (NAN)