Reports emerged over the weekend that the Lagos government had imposed parking fees on worshippers at churches.
Some media outlets, not including Eko Hot Blog, reported that the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) will charge the worshippers from October 2024 for parking on the streets.
However, LASPA has debunked the reports, saying it is not imposing parking fees on churches or worshippers for parking on streets around religious institutions.
Rather, it is implementing the Lagos State Parking Policy to mitigate parking-induced traffic congestion across the state, the authority said.
In clarifying the matter, LASPA’s General Manager, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, noted that Lagos, like many other major cities worldwide facing similar challenges, 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,” Mrs. Adelabu said.
Earlier this year, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the introduction of regulated on-street parking, which was announced during a stakeholders forum held on February 14, 2024, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja.
“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,” the statement added.
“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 1800 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 the Lagos State Parking Authority.”
While it is true that the Lagos government has imposed parking fees on motorists in the state, it is misleading to single out worshippers as the media reports have done.
Ultimately, the new development affects everyone parking on the streets of Lagos without any exception for churchgoers and other religions adherents.
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