Welcome to the second edition of HOT WHEELS, our spotlight series on Nigeria’s skating community — the daring riders redefining street culture with every push, flip, and grind. From the bustling roads of Lagos to quieter corners across the country, these skaters are carving out stories of resilience, creativity, and self-expression.
In this episode, we catch up with Nwachigoziri — better known as Ziri — who first discovered skateboarding at the age of six after watching the cult classic Thrashin’. What started as a childhood curiosity has since grown into a passion that has taken him through the streets of Lagos, where he navigates both the thrills and the skepticism that come with skating in the city. From finding community with crews like RIA Sk8 to embracing skateboarding as a form of therapy, Ziri’s journey captures the heart of Lagos’ fast-growing skate culture.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us how you got into skating?
My name is Nwachigoziri, but I mostly go by just Ziri, and I discovered skateboarding at age 6 when I watched a movie about it.
Who or what inspired you to start skating?
So, the name of the movie I watched was Thrashin’, and ever since I watched it at age 6, I’ve been hooked, because it looked like the coolest thing ever. I didn’t have access to a board at that time. So I tried making one, but it didn’t turn out well (laughs). But then I just knew that I had found my thing from watching that movie.
What was your first skateboarding experience like in Lagos?
Well, Lagos is a very funny place, so the feedback I got was somewhat funny too. People were saying stuff like “you think say na America you dey abi” “na for this naija you wan dey do this one?” But skating in Lagos has been very interesting
How would you describe the skate scene in Lagos? How has it evolved over time?
I’d say it has grown very crazy. I don’t think there’s any skater out there that doesn’t walk around with their boards, and people will not sing “skating skating” from the Asake song to them (laughs). The skate scene in Lagos is growing, and it’s cool to be a part of it.
Are there any local skate crews or communities you’re part of? How do they influence the culture?
Definitely, Shoutout to RIA Sk8. This is the OG crew that most people need to know about. Skating with RIA and even Radicals has really opened up opportunities for me and taught me a lot about bringing together different people with different flaws and natures. However, one thing that unites us is just a deck and wheels.
Are there any local skaters or figures who have shaped the culture here?
Well, WAF has done a major part that can’t be undermined, so I’ll give them their flowers, but there’s also RIA. It has taken street skating to a whole new level.
Have you ever faced any negative reactions from people while skating in public spaces?
Yeah, I have. Old, Young, even my own parents have questioned it too (laughs). But omo, I zone out who I can just because I know they don’t see it how I see it.
How do you think Lagos’ environment (roads, weather, urban planning) affects skating?
Well, they’re actually very cool spots to skate in Lagos o, only just security wahala or bad roads at times, but then we don’t really have an option. I’ve skated in the rain before, too. I won’t say I regretted it, but it was a very interesting experience (laughs)
Do you feel like skating is becoming more accepted in Lagos? Why or why not?
It actually is. We’re growing to see that things like this aren’t just meant for “oyinbo” people alone, so everyone is trying to catch that new wave, and soon we’ll have bigger competitions, I hope.
How does the skating community support and encourage new skaters?
I’ll just talk from my own experience. Before I ever went to the National Stadium, I thought I was the only skater in Lagos until I came across Beejay on Facebook. He told me to come out and skate and meet other guys. The day I met them, it was like I had been skating with them before. There’s really nothing that would’ve brought some of us together if not for skating.
Have you ever collaborated with artists, musicians, or brands as a skater in Lagos?
Not a lot, actually. Right now, I just skate.
How do you think skating in Lagos differs from other cities or countries?
I go to school in Akure, and whenever I skate in school, the energy rush I get in Lagos is lacking there because most of the time we’re just skating on flat and nobody is trying to 1-up you with a trick. But the Lagos skating vibe is unmatched!
What does skating mean to you beyond just a hobby or sport?
Skateboarding is my thing; it’s therapy, it’s like my space shuttle. That’s one reason I always go back to watch the movie that put me on this path. So I don’t forget why I started, because different things can try to block your mind from the reason you began. However, if you think right, you’ll be okay, because it’s the coolest thing ever.
If you could change one thing to improve the skate culture in Lagos, what would it be?
Less expensive Skate gear (laughs)
