The Lagos State Government, Nigeria has refuted reports that worshippers will be charged for parking around churches.
In a statement on Sunday, July 21, 2024, the General Manager of the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, clarified that the state’s parking policy aims to alleviate parking-induced traffic congestion across Lagos.
“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,” Mrs. Adelabu stated. “The post incorrectly stated that ‘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’.”
She emphasized, “To clarify the matter, LASPA wishes to emphasize that this information is inaccurate and does not reflect the true intent of our communication. The Lagos State government is not imposing parking fees on churches or worshippers for parking on streets around religious institutions. Rather, LASPA is implementing the Lagos State Parking Policy to mitigate parking-induced traffic congestion across the state.”
Adelabu further explained that like many 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,” she said.
Earlier this year, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the introduction of regulated on-street parking, which was announced during a stakeholder’s forum held on February 14, 2024, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja. Adelabu added, “As part of our efforts to inform stakeholders, including religious organizations who were adequately represented at the forum, about the upcoming implementation in October, LASPA communicated with umbrella bodies representing these groups.”
“It is important to clarify that no specific religious group is being singled out by this policy,” she noted. “Our aim is to ensure all stakeholders are informed and prepared for the implementation of the regulated on-street parking scheme.”
Furthermore, Adelabu highlighted that 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 1800 additional parking slots. “The communication sent to religious institutions serves to notify them of their respective roles and the financial aspects of utilizing these designated parking lots. The management of these facilities will be overseen by concessionaires under the regulation of the Lagos State Parking Authority,” she concluded.
