Lagos State Government has denied media reports that worshippers will be charged for parking around churches.
According to an earlier report, in a 19 July letter by the Head of Operations of Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), Ayokunle Akinrinmisi, which was directed to the state branch of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, the government informed the body that vehicles parked by the church and members on designated streets would be charged hourly, while indiscriminately parked vehicles would be enforced accordingly.
Akinrinmisi reported wrote : “I am directed to inform your revered organisation that LASPA will be commencing its on-street parking scheme at designated streets within the Lagos State metropolis.
“In view of this, I am using this medium to inform your eminence, that vehicles parked on designated streets by the church and its members, will be charged hourly and indiscriminately parked vehicles will be enforced upon accordingly.
“Consequently, we advise that this piece of information be adhered to as a law-abiding organisation”.
But, in a statement on Sunday, LASPA’s General Manager, Mrs Adebisi Adelabu said the state’s parking policy would affect all motorists who intend to utilise the agency’s newly created 1,800 parking slots.
According to her, the parking policy is designed 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 the 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 14 February 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 1,800 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”.
