In a significant move to tackle the persistent issue of traffic congestion, the Lagos State Government has created 3,941 new parking slots across major parts of the state. This development comes as part of the broader initiatives of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, aimed at improving urban mobility and reducing roadside obstructions.

This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during the Y2025 Ministerial Press Briefing, which marked the second anniversary of the governor’s second term.

A Major Step Towards Organized Parking and Better Traffic Flow

Commissioner Osiyemi highlighted that the establishment of these parking slots is a crucial element of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s efforts to curtail indiscriminate parking and enhance vehicular movement across Lagos.

“These new parking facilities are designed to accommodate thousands of vehicles, providing residents with safer and more organized alternatives to roadside parking,” Osiyemi stated. He emphasized that properly organized parking would contribute significantly to the state’s goal of achieving free-flowing traffic across critical corridors.

The newly created slots are strategically distributed across busy areas, ensuring that motorists can easily find parking spaces and thus reducing the temptation to park illegally.

The Role of the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA)

To reinforce this initiative, Mr. Osiyemi noted the vital role of the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), which was established to standardize parking operations across the state.

“LASPA was created to regulate illegal parking, eliminate obstructions on roadways, deliver a world-class parking system, and promote voluntary compliance with Lagos State’s parking policies,” he explained.

By regulating parking behavior, LASPA is positioned to not only enhance orderliness but also to support other traffic management initiatives spearheaded by agencies like the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

Zoning of Parking Operations for Efficiency

In a bid to streamline parking operations even further, Mr. Osiyemi revealed that Lagos has been divided into five major parking zones: Ikeja, Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, and Surulere.

“This strategic zoning is expected to improve the efficiency of parking management and minimize congestion caused by unauthorized parking practices,” he added.

Each zone will operate with designated parking facilities and clearly demarcated areas to ensure that motorists can easily navigate the city’s parking system.

Installation of 669 Parking Signages Across Major Roads

Besides creating new parking slots, the Lagos State Government has also installed 669 parking signages along key roads. These signages are intended to guide motorists on proper parking procedures and designated areas.

“The signage will contribute to a more structured and user-friendly parking system,” Mr. Osiyemi said, emphasizing that visible and clear directions are key to maintaining order on Lagos roads.

He also urged all motorists to use only the designated parking spaces, warning that non-compliance would attract penalties as part of the state’s ongoing drive to enforce traffic regulations.

Enforcement Actions Against Illegal Parking and Unauthorized Activities

The enforcement of parking regulations has already been yielding results. According to Mr. Osiyemi, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been actively clamping down on illegal parking across the state.

Between January and June 2024 alone, LASTMA impounded 9,370 vehicles for various traffic infractions, including illegal parking, under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. These actions targeted notorious congestion hotspots to clear obstructions that significantly hamper traffic flow.

Specific enforcement operations were carried out in critical locations like Lagos Island, where 123 vehicles were impounded around bridges, such as Ebute-Ero by Idumota Bridge and Apongbon Underbridge, due to illegal parking practices.

Furthermore, 19 individuals were arrested for the unauthorized collection of parking fees from unsuspecting motorists, highlighting the government’s resolve to sanitize parking operations and eliminate extortion.

Broader Transport Policy to Transform Urban Mobility

This parking initiative fits within the Lagos State Government’s wider transport policy, unveiled in May 2024. The policy aims to transform the entire transport sector and addresses 14 key elements including:

• Road infrastructure development

• Transport safety and security

• Traffic management and control

• Expansion of non-motorized transport options like cycling and walking paths

By adopting a holistic approach, the government seeks to create an efficient, safe, and sustainable transport system that caters to the growing needs of Lagos’s rapidly expanding population.

The administration believes that proper parking management is crucial for decongesting the city’s roads and improving overall commuting experiences for residents.

Conclusion

With the creation of nearly 4,000 new parking slots, the zoning of parking operations, the installation of hundreds of signages, and strict enforcement of parking regulations, the Lagos State Government has taken a bold step toward achieving its vision of a more organized and traffic-friendly city.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to providing innovative infrastructure solutions that not only ease daily commuting but also contribute to the broader goal of making Lagos a smart and livable megacity.