160 drivers from 23 states set for Naija Driver Challenge grand finale in Lagos

The maiden edition of the Nigerian Drivers Challenge, popularly known as the Naija Driver Challenge, will reach its climax on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, with seven finalists competing for honours at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The grand finale, scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m., follows an encouraging national response that saw 160 drivers register for the competition from 23 states of the federation.

The hybrid competition, which combines online and physical activities, was initiated to promote responsible driving, road safety awareness, professionalism and excellence among motorists across Nigeria.

Following preliminary assessments involving a 60 per cent pass mark, seven participants emerged as finalists to compete for the maiden edition’s top prize.

The final stage will feature practical driving assessments designed by the Lagos State Drivers Institute (LASDRI) to evaluate participants’ driving competence, vehicle control, road-use awareness and compliance with safety regulations.

The eventual winner will be determined through a combination of participants’ Computer-Based Test (CBT) scores and their performance in the practical driving assessment.

Speaking ahead of the event, Project Director, Adrian Egonu, said the initiative was conceived out of the belief that improving road safety begins with competent, responsible and professional drivers.

He described the response to the inaugural edition as encouraging, noting that the registration of 160 participants from 23 states and the emergence of seven finalists demonstrated the potential of the initiative.

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“This is more than a driving competition. It is a platform for promoting road safety consciousness, improving driving standards and celebrating excellence behind the wheel. We hope the initiative will inspire Nigerian motorists to take greater responsibility for their conduct on our roads,” Egonu said.

Also speaking, the Project’s Head of Administration, Modupeola A. Elegba, invited members of the public and relevant stakeholders to attend the grand finale.

She said feedback from participants who completed the training and CBT examinations indicated that they had acquired additional knowledge about safe road usage.

Elegba expressed satisfaction with the participants’ experience and the competition’s online platform, adding that the feedback had encouraged the organisers to improve subsequent editions.

The organisers said the competition was developed to establish a platform for recognising competent drivers while encouraging motorists to embrace safety, discipline and professionalism.

The grand finale is expected to attract representatives of government agencies, road safety institutions, automotive industry stakeholders, sponsors, invited guests, media organisations and members of the public.

Among the institutions that endorsed the initiative are LASDRI, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria.

The organisers also acknowledged the support of sponsors, including Skinetics Aesthetics Skin Care Clinic and Med Spa, BUA Cement, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc and AXA Mansard Health Limited.

Other supporting organisations include the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Lagos State Safety Commission, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and Work and Play.

According to the organisers, collaboration with LASDRI and other stakeholders has been central to preparations for the practical assessments and the overall event.

They noted that the competition would also draw attention to the importance of driver education, continuous training and practical assessments in reducing preventable road crashes.

The public, industry stakeholders and media organisations have been invited to attend the inaugural grand finale.