No parking fees for worshippers – Lagos govt clarifies

• Adelabu explained that the policy is part of efforts to reduce parking-induced traffic congestion
  

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The Lagos State Government has refuted claims that worshippers will be charged for parking around churches.

In a statement released on Sunday, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, General Manager of the Lagos State Parking Authority, LASPA, clarified that the parking policy targets all motorists utilizing the newly created 1,800 parking slots across the state.

Adelabu explained that the policy is part of efforts to reduce parking-induced traffic congestion.

“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 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.’”

“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,” she added.

“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, announced during a stakeholder forum on February 14, 2024, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja.

“Religious organizations were adequately represented at the forum,” she noted.

The statement further clarified, “It is important to note 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.”

“The government has designated and lane-marked roads for on-street parking in areas such as Ikeja, Surulere, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki, creating approximately 1,800 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,” Adelabu added.

“The management of these facilities will be overseen by concessionaires under the regulation of LASPA.”