The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has announced plans to introduce paid roadside parking across selected streets in Lagos State, in a move aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion in the state.
The initiative, known as the On-Street Parking Scheme, is expected to begin with a pilot phase before the end of 2026, with Ikeja listed among the first areas where it will be implemented.
The General Manager of LASPA, Adebisi Adelabu, disclosed the plan during a stakeholder engagement meeting with the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area, Akeem Dauda, and other council officials.
Details of the meeting were made public in a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Dunkwu Divine.
According to Adelabu, the introduction of paid roadside parking is part of a broader effort by the Lagos State Government to bring order to the growing problem of indiscriminate parking, which has been identified as a major cause of traffic congestion across the state.
She explained that the scheme will help regulate how motorists park on public roads, especially in busy commercial areas where vehicles are often left along the roadside, reducing the number of lanes available for movement.
“The On-Street Parking Scheme will improve parking management, enhance traffic flow and generate employment opportunities, particularly for residents within the selected areas,” Adelabu said.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, is known for its heavy traffic, with millions of vehicles moving across the city daily. Areas such as Ikeja, Lagos Island, Surulere, and Apapa have long struggled with gridlock caused by poor parking habits, roadside trading, and high population density.
In many of these locations, vehicles parked along the road often block one or more lanes, forcing other motorists into tight spaces and slowing down traffic movement. This situation not only affects daily commuters but also impacts businesses and economic activities.
Authorities say the new parking scheme is designed to address these challenges by introducing a structured system where motorists will pay to park on designated streets for a specified period.
Officials believe that by attaching a cost to roadside parking, drivers will be encouraged to use designated parking spaces more responsibly and avoid unnecessary obstruction of traffic.
The LASPA boss also clarified that the responsibility for managing parking operations in the state was previously handled by local government authorities. However, the task has now been transferred to LASPA following an agreement by the Conference of the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas.
This move, according to her, is intended to ensure better coordination and uniformity in parking management across the state.
Adelabu added that local councils will still play an important role in the success of the scheme. She said councils that cooperate fully with the agency will benefit from the initiative, although she did not provide details of the expected benefits.
She called on local government leaders to support the rollout and help sensitise residents about the new system.
In his response, Dauda welcomed the initiative and expressed the readiness of Ikeja Local Government to work with LASPA to ensure its success.
He, however, stressed the need for proper public awareness before the scheme is introduced, noting that many residents and motorists may not be familiar with the idea of paying for roadside parking.
According to him, adequate sensitization will help prevent confusion and resistance when the policy takes effect.
Residents of Lagos have reacted with mixed feelings to the announcement. While some believe the initiative could help reduce traffic congestion, others have raised concerns about the additional financial burden it may place on motorists.
Some drivers argue that the government should first provide more dedicated parking spaces and improve road infrastructure before introducing charges for roadside parking.
Others, however, say the policy is a step in the right direction, pointing out that similar systems are used in major cities around the world to manage traffic and parking.
Urban planning experts have also weighed in on the issue, noting that effective parking management is an important part of modern city planning. They argue that without proper regulation, roadside parking can quickly lead to disorder and gridlock, especially in densely populated areas like Lagos.
They also highlight the potential economic benefits of the scheme, including job creation. LASPA has indicated that the initiative will create employment opportunities for residents, likely through roles such as parking attendants and enforcement officers.
However, experts caution that the success of the scheme will depend on proper implementation, transparency, and enforcement. They warn that without clear guidelines and accountability, the system could face challenges such as illegal collection of fees or harassment of motorists.
The Lagos State Government has in recent years introduced several measures aimed at improving traffic management, including the expansion of road networks, introduction of traffic monitoring systems, and enforcement of traffic laws.
Despite these efforts, congestion remains a major problem, costing the state billions of naira in lost productivity each year.
The planned introduction of paid roadside parking is therefore seen as another attempt to tackle the issue from a different angle.
As the pilot phase approaches, many residents will be watching closely to see how the scheme is implemented and whether it delivers the expected results.
For now, LASPA has assured the public that it will continue to engage stakeholders and incorporate feedback to ensure that the policy is implemented in a way that benefits both motorists and the wider community.
If successfully executed, the On-Street Parking Scheme could mark a significant shift in how parking is managed in Lagos, setting a model for other states facing similar challenges.
However, its success will largely depend on public acceptance, effective enforcement, and the government’s ability to address concerns raised by residents ahead of its full rollout.