The Lagos State Government has announced plans to begin charging motorists for parking on designated streets across the state before the end of 2026 as part of efforts to improve traffic management and reduce roadside congestion.
The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) disclosed that the On-Street Parking Scheme will first be introduced as a pilot programme in selected local government areas, including Ikeja.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement visit to the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, the General Manager of LASPA, Adebisi Adelabu, said the initiative is aimed at bringing order to parking operations, improving traffic flow and creating employment opportunities for residents in the affected areas.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by LASPA’s Head of Public Affairs, Dunkwu Divine, Adelabu explained that indiscriminate roadside parking has remained a major contributor to the persistent traffic gridlock experienced across Lagos.
“The On-Street Parking Scheme will improve parking management, enhance traffic flow and generate employment opportunities, particularly for residents within the selected areas,” she stated.
Adelabu also clarified that parking management was initially under the control of local government councils before the Conference of the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas transferred the responsibility to LASPA.
She added that local councils would benefit from the scheme depending on their level of cooperation and urged them to support its implementation. She further assured stakeholders that LASPA remains open to suggestions and collaboration to ensure a successful rollout.
Responding, the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area, Akeem Dauda, welcomed the initiative and pledged the council’s support. He, however, stressed the need for extensive public awareness campaigns to sensitise residents before the commencement of the policy.
Authorities say the scheme forms part of broader efforts to tackle Lagos’ chronic traffic congestion and promote a more organised urban transport system in Africa’s largest city.
Roadside parking has for years contributed significantly to gridlock in major commercial districts such as Ikeja, Lagos Island, Surulere and Apapa, where illegally parked vehicles often obstruct traffic flow, reduce road capacity and worsen commuting conditions for motorists and residents alike.