Lagos Govt not imposing parking fees on churches, mosques – LASPA clarifies new policy

Lagos Govt not imposing parking fees on churches, mosques – LASPA clarifies new policy

Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), on Sunday said the information circulating on social media regarding parking charges for churches and mosques in Lagos State is false and misleading.

In a statement released by the General Manager of LASPA, Mrs Adebisi Adelabu, she described as incorrect the statement which stated that “Lagos State parking Authority (LASPA) on Saturday announced it will from October 2024 charge churches and worshippers in Lagos state, who park vehicles on designated streets around places of worship.”

To clarify the matter, Adebisi noted that the information is inaccurate and does not reflect the true intent of LASPA’s communication.

According to the General Manager, “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.

“Like many other major cities worldwide facing similar challenges, Lagos is experiencing a high demand for parking spaces that exceeds available supply. Therefore, we are adopting a regulated on-street parking model to better manage parking resources efficiently.”

Adebisi stated further that this year, the Governor 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.

“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. One of such correspondences was referenced in a news release making the rounds.

“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.

“Additionally, 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,” she stated.

Adebisi said the communication sent to religious institutions serves to notify them of their respective roles and the financial aspects of utilizing these designated parking lots.

She stated further that the management of these facilities will be overseen by concessionaires under the regulation of the Lagos State Parking Authority.