The Lagos State Government has denied reports that worshippers will be charged for parking around churches.

The clarification was made in a statement on Sunday by the General Manager of the Lagos State Parking Authority, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu.

Mrs. Adelabu explained that the state’s parking policy will apply to all motorists who use the new 1,800 parking slots created by LASPA.

The policy aims to reduce traffic congestion caused by parking across the state.

“The Lagos State Parking Authority has noted with concern a recent social media post regarding parking charges for churches and worshippers in Lagos State,” the statement read. “The post incorrectly stated that ‘Lagos State Parking Authority 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.'”

Mrs. Adelabu emphasized, “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 added, “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, announced during a stakeholder forum on February 14, 2024, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel in 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,” Mrs. Adelabu said. “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.”

She also noted that the Lagos State Government has designated and lane-marked suitable roads for on-street parking in 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,” Mrs. Adelabu concluded.