The Lagos State Government has firmly refuted circulating reports that suggested worshippers would be charged for parking around churches. In a statement released on Sunday by Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, the General Manager of the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), the government clarified its stance on the parking policy and addressed the misinformation head-on.
Mrs. Adelabu emphasized that the state’s new parking policy is designed to address parking-induced traffic congestion throughout Lagos. She reiterated that the policy would apply to all motorists, not singling out any specific groups, including religious institutions. The policy aims to regulate the use of the newly created 1,800 parking slots managed by LASPA.
“The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has noted with concern a recent social media post regarding parking charges for churches and worshippers in Lagos State,” the statement read. “The post incorrectly stated that ‘Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) on Saturday announced it will from October 2024 charge churches and worshippers in Lagos state, who parked vehicles on designated streets around places of worship’.”
Mrs. Adelabu clarified that the information being circulated is inaccurate and misrepresents LASPA’s intentions. She assured the public that the Lagos State government is not imposing parking fees on churches or worshippers for parking on streets around religious institutions. Instead, the policy aims to alleviate traffic congestion caused by unregulated parking, which is a common issue in major cities worldwide.
She explained, “Like many other major cities worldwide facing similar challenges, Lagos is experiencing a high demand for parking spaces that exceeds the available supply. Therefore, we are adopting a regulated on-street parking model to better manage parking resources efficiently.”
Earlier this year, the Governor approved the introduction of regulated on-street parking, which was publicly announced during a stakeholder’s forum on February 14, 2024, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja. This forum included representatives from various stakeholder groups, including religious organizations. Mrs. Adelabu noted that communications with these groups have been ongoing to ensure they are adequately informed about the new policy set for implementation in October.
The statement highlighted that the recent news release referencing a correspondence with religious organizations was intended to notify them of their roles and the financial implications of utilizing designated parking lots. However, it was not meant to imply that these groups were being singled out.
“It is important to clarify that no specific religious group is being singled out by this policy. Our aim is to ensure all stakeholders are informed and prepared for the implementation of the regulated on-street parking scheme,” Mrs. Adelabu stated.
Furthermore, the Lagos State Government has designated and lane-marked suitable roads for on-street parking across major zones such as Ikeja, Surulere, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki, creating approximately 1,800 additional parking slots. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to manage the high demand for parking spaces more effectively.
Mrs. Adelabu concluded by stating that the management of these new parking facilities would be overseen by concessionaires under the regulation of LASPA. This approach aims to create a more organized and efficient parking system that benefits all motorists and helps reduce traffic congestion in Lagos.
The clarification from LASPA is crucial in dispelling rumors and ensuring that all affected parties understand the true objectives of the new parking policy. As Lagos continues to grow and urbanize, effective management of parking resources is essential to maintaining smooth traffic flow and reducing congestion across the state.
