In response to recent misinformation, the Lagos State Government has clarified that it will not be imposing parking fees on worshippers at churches. Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, General Manager of the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), addressed these claims in a statement released on Sunday.
Adelabu explained that the new parking policy, which will regulate the use of 1,800 newly created parking spaces, is aimed at reducing traffic congestion across the state. The policy is part of a broader effort to manage Lagos’s high demand for parking spaces, not a specific measure targeting religious institutions.
Recent social media posts incorrectly suggested that LASPA would charge churches and their attendees for parking on streets around places of worship starting in October 2024. LASPA’s statement clarified that this information is inaccurate and does not reflect their actual plans.
The policy, which has been approved by the Governor and was discussed at a February 2024 stakeholder forum, focuses on implementing regulated on-street parking in high-demand areas such as Ikeja, Surulere, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki. This initiative is designed to better manage parking resources and ease congestion, not to impose undue financial burdens on religious groups.
Religious organizations were informed about their roles and the details of the new parking system, which will be overseen by concessionaires regulated by LASPA. The government emphasized that no religious group is being singled out by this policy.
