By Peter Omopo
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to commence a regulated and technology-driven paid parking system across the state in 2026, as part of efforts to tackle persistent traffic congestion and restore order on major roads.
The initiative, to be implemented through the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), aims to curb indiscriminate parking, improve mobility, and promote a more sustainable urban environment for motorists and businesses.
Speaking at the 2025 LASPA Retreat held on Friday, the General Manager of the Authority, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, described the upcoming scheme as a “game-changer” in traffic management and urban planning.
“We want people to park responsibly and plan ahead before leaving their homes. Lagos is intentional about this — we’re starting gradually from Ikoyi, parts of Ikeja, Victoria Island, and Lekki. You’ll soon begin to see signage showing the rates for parking in different areas,” she said.
Adelabu explained that the new system would introduce structured parking zones and digital payment solutions to replace the current unregulated model. She noted that the initiative would also boost government revenue while ensuring safety and accessibility for road users.
“The future of parking is pay-by-plate. When a motorist drives into an area, they’ll see the parking rates, make payment electronically, and receive confirmation — without needing any physical enforcement,” she added.
The LASPA boss emphasised that the reform is not primarily about revenue but about regulation and behavioural change, ensuring that streets are not converted into private parking spaces.
“Some streets will have a maximum parking limit of three hours to prevent congestion. Even if you can afford to pay for the whole day, you must move your car after three hours,” Adelabu explained.
She assured residents that public sensitisation and advocacy, which began two years ago, would continue ahead of the full rollout.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said effective parking management was critical to Lagos’ broader transportation strategy.
“Parking challenges worsen traffic congestion, increase emissions, and reduce accessibility. Many roads remain clogged because roadside parking is largely unregulated. The new policy will bring structure, discipline, and efficiency,” he said.
Osiyemi added that, once fully implemented, the paid parking system could unlock “extraordinary productivity gains” for individuals, businesses, and the overall economy of Lagos State.
Traffic congestion has long been one of Lagos’ most pressing urban challenges. In June, The PUNCH reported widespread gridlock across major routes, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where a standstill at the Otedola Bridge extended into Ogun State, forcing stranded commuters to trek long distances.
Earlier in July 2025, LASPA had announced plans to enforce parking regulations to curb illegal roadside parking, but the comprehensive, paid-parking rollout scheduled for 2026 marks the first structured statewide framework to regulate and monetise parking in Africa’s most populous city.
With the system set to begin in select districts before expanding across the state, Lagosians are being urged to brace for a new era of organised, technology-driven urban mobility.
