By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State government on Sunday debunked reports that it has, through its agency, the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) imposed an hourly fee on churches in the metropolis, especially for worshippers who park their vehicles on the streets.
Earlier today, a notice purportedly addressed to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said church members who park their vehicles by the roadside during worship hours would be required to pay a fee per hour.
It was said that this policy was to mitigate parking-induced traffic congestion on streets around religious institutions across the state.
In a statement signed by the General Manager of LASPA, Mrs Adebisi Adelabu, the organisation described the reports as false, emphasising that the information is inaccurate and does not reflect the true intent of its communication.
She explained that, “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.”
The GM stated that at a stakeholders’ forum held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel on February 14, 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the introduction of regulated on-street parking, and as part of “our efforts to inform stakeholders, including religious organisations 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. We aim to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and prepared for the implementation of the regulated on-street parking scheme.
“Additionally, 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.
“The communication sent to religious institutions serves to notify them of their respective roles and the financial aspects of utilising these designated parking lots. The management of these facilities will be overseen by concessionaires under the regulation of LASPA,” Mrs Adelabu said.
