New parking policy not targeted at worshippers, Lagos says
Extends expression of interest deadline on building control partnership
LAGOS State government, yesterday, dismissed insinuations that worshippers were targeted in its newly introduced parking policy.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Parking Authority ( LASPA), Mrs Adebisi Adelabu, in a statement, clarified that the policy will affect all motorists, not just worshippers.
According to her, the policy aims to alleviate parking- induced traffic congestion across the state by regulating on- street parking.
She noted that the government has designated and lane- marked suitable roads for on- street parking, creating approximately 1,800 additional parking slots.
Adelabu emphasised that no specific religious group is being targeted by the policy, adding that the communication sent to religious institutions was merely to notify them of their respective roles and the financial aspects of utilising the designated parking lots.
She assured that the management of these facilities will be overseen by concessionaires under the regulation of the LASPA, stressing that the government remains committed to improving traffic flow and parking management in the state through transparent and equitable measures that benefit all residents and visitors alike.
She said: “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 onstreet 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 February 14, 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. 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 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.”
MEANWHILE, the state through its Building Control Agency ( LASBCA), has granted a four- week extension for the collection and submission of Expression of Interest forms for consultants in the built environment registered with relevant professional bodies in Nigeria to indicate interest in the Certified Accreditors Programme ( CAP).
This was disclosed by the General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, in his office while reviewing the level of responses by applicants in the new scheme.
Oki noted that the extension was aimed at giving more professionals in the built environment the opportunity to participate in the significant initiative.
He reiterated that the CAP programme is a Public- Private synergy aimed at leveraging on the peculiar expertise and experience of private sector professionals to further accelerate LASBCA’S effectiveness towards optimum service delivery.
The certified accreditors, among other responsibilities, are expected to carry out screening of drawings and stage inspection services for all structures in various categories as well as monitoring of activities for compliance with the Lagos State Building Control Regulation.