Lagos State has announced plans to begin charging motorists for parking on selected streets before the end of 2026. The initiative, led by the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), is designed to improve traffic flow, regulate roadside parking, and create employment opportunities in participating areas.
Stakeholder Meeting with Ikeja Local Government
LASPA disclosed the plan during a stakeholder meeting with officials of Ikeja Local Government Area. The engagement focused on preparations for the proposed On-Street Parking Scheme, which will first be tested in several councils, including Ikeja.
During the visit, the General Manager of LASPA, Adebisi Adelabu, stated that the initiative is expected to regulate roadside parking, improve traffic movement, and generate jobs for residents in participating communities. She noted that parking administration had previously been handled by local councils before the responsibility was transferred to LASPA by the Conference of the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas.
Adelabu urged councils to support the programme, emphasizing that cooperating LGAs and LCDAs would benefit from the arrangement. She also confirmed that LASPA remains open to recommendations from stakeholders ahead of the rollout.
Support from Ikeja Local Government
Chairman of Ikeja LGA, Akeem Dauda, welcomed the proposal and assured the authority of the council's backing. He called for extensive public awareness campaigns to help residents understand how the system will operate before enforcement begins.
Roadside parking has remained a major challenge in Lagos, especially in commercial hubs such as Ikeja, Surulere, Lagos Island, and Apapa. Vehicles parked along busy roads often reduce available driving space and worsen traffic delays for commuters and businesses alike.
Authorities believe the new parking framework could help improve traffic management in one of Africa's busiest urban centres. The scheme is expected to be implemented before the end of 2026, pending further stakeholder consultations and public sensitization.
