LASG denies parking fees for worshippers

……says new rule affects all motorists

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Lagos State Government, LASG, has debunked claims that churches and other faith centers will be charged for parking space.

The state said the news reported by several blogs is inaccurate and does not reflect the true intent of their communication.

The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) had earlier on Saturday announced it will from October 2024 charge motorists in the state, who parked vehicles on designated streets.

According to a statement by Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, General Manager, LASPA, said the state is not imposing parking fees on churches and other religious institutions, Rather, it’s implementing the Lagos State Parking Policy to mitigate parking induced traffic congestion across the state.

“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 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.”

“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,” she said.

She emphasized that the new policy would tackle a high demand for parking spaces that exceeds available supply in 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.

“Earlier 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 onstreet 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.

“LASPA remains committed to improving traffic flow and parking management in Lagos State through transparent and equitable measures that benefit all residents and visitors alike. For further inquiries, please contact LASPA on call 02-01-2275230 or 02-01-2275231. You can also Visit our office at 36b Sasegbon Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, or visit our website at aspa.lg.gov.ng,” she added.