By Emmanuel Daniji

The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) is targeting the end of the first quarter of 2027 for the full implementation of its proposed regulated on-street parking scheme, as motorists continue to face demands for roadside parking fees from people whose authority is unclear.

The scheme is designed to organise roadside parking, regulate fee collection and help motorists distinguish authorised parking agents from individuals collecting money illegally.

During visits to Adeniyi Jones, Allen Avenue, Obafemi Awolowo Way and Ikeja Under-Bridge, vehicles were seen parked along major roads, with some areas appearing poorly organised.

Some motorists say roadside parking remains convenient, particularly where workplaces and shopping areas have limited parking spaces. However, informal fee collection has raised concerns about who is authorised to charge for parking.

LASPA General Manager, Adebisi Adelabu, said the scheme had been delayed partly because private operators expected to manage daily parking activities were still undergoing training and preparation.

“The technology is ready, but the people are not ready,” she said, explaining that the authority was also working with the Ministry of Transportation and other government agencies to coordinate responsibilities.

The authority plans to retain regulatory oversight while private operators manage parking operations. Local councils are also expected to participate in the arrangement.

Under the proposed system, authorised agents will wear uniforms with identification numbers linked to a database. Motorists will be able to verify their identities through a USSD or text-message service, which is expected to provide the agent’s details and photograph.

Adelabu advised motorists not to pay anyone whose identity cannot be verified.

LASPA also plans to introduce cashless payments, with provisions for motorists who do not own smartphones. Agents may use prepaid cards to process payments where necessary.

The authority has been working towards a regulated parking system for several years. In 2024, it reported identifying more than 20,000 roadside setbacks suitable for parking across Lagos, with over 13,000 already in use. It also reported creating more than 1,800 parking slots and installing 1,162 parking signs.

Despite these efforts, full implementation has yet to take place.

The cost and availability of formal parking facilities may also influence how motorists respond to the scheme. During recent visits to Ikeja, some facilities charged between ₦1,000 and ₦2,000, with operating hours and access arrangements varying from one location to another.

LASPA says privately operated car parks will continue to operate, provided they meet the relevant licensing requirements. The authority also hopes to encourage investment in larger parking facilities, including multi-storey car parks.

Enforcement, including towing, is expected to form part of the scheme, although LASPA says its towing vehicles and other equipment have so far been used only occasionally rather than on a full-scale basis.

For motorists, the major concerns remain the availability of convenient parking spaces, clear fees and protection from unauthorised collectors.

With full implementation targeted for the end of March 2027, LASPA will need to ensure that the rules are widely publicised, agents are easy to verify and complaints can be addressed effectively if the scheme is to restore order to roadside parking across Lagos.