By Demi Adeniyi
The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has said it will prioritise parking spaces for electric vehicles (EVs), where such could be charged as it renewed its commitment to sustainable, tech-enabled solutions, to transform parking across the state.
Such parks according to the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, would be delivered on a Public Private Partnership. (PPP) arrangement that would see the private sector delivering parking infrastructure to aid the management of traffic and transport around the metropolis.
The new strategy was unveiled at a three-day retreat held between November 8th to 11th, 2024, at the Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate and facilitated by Candor Consulting, with the theme “Serving and Improving the Parking Needs of Lagos State in Line with the First Pillar of the Lagos State THEMES+ Agenda.
Osiyemi who observed that effective parking management is crucial to reducing traffic congestion, enhance road safety and optimize traffic flow said all these are the core goals which the administration is committed to achieving under the state’s THEMES + Agenda.
He said the agenda which prioritised transportation and traffic management has outlined a bold vision for LASPA’s role in reshaping Lagos’ transport and parking infrastructure.
Osiyemi shared plans for smart parking systems that utilize real-time data to ease congestion and reduce the time drivers spend searching for parking spaces around the metropolis.
The Commissioner also announced LASPA’s plans to implement regulated on-street parking and develop modern parking facilities in high-traffic areas through public-private partnerships.
He noted that private sector collaboration is essential for expanding parking infrastructure across Lagos, particularly in high-density areas.
“We cannot achieve this alone,” Osiyemi emphasized adding that “the private sector has a crucial role to play in expanding our parking infrastructure to support Lagos’ growing vehicle population.”
He also emphasised the importance of sustainability within parking, especially with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), adding that LASPA will prioritize EV-specific parking spaces and integrate charging stations in new and existing facilities to accommodate Lagos’ growing demand for EV infrastructure.
Osiyemi emphasized the importance of professional development and performance evaluation for the LASPA team, urging them to maintain a high standard of service with accountability and continuous improvement at the forefront.
“We must lead by example,” he said. “Our staff must be equipped to deliver first-rate service, setting a standard of excellence in all operations.”
The Special Adviser on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, encouraged LASPA to collaborate effectively with sister agencies in the Ministry of Transportation.
He highlighted the importance of unified efforts, stating, “Our success depends on working together and adopting a cohesive approach to achieve our shared goals.”
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olawale Musa, acknowledged that change can encounter resistance but encouraged LASPA to remain resolute in pursuing its vision.
“We are building a world-class parking management system,” he affirmed, urging the team to persevere despite challenges. He reiterated the importance of inter-agency collaboration to advance Lagos’ transportation objectives.
The LASPA General Manager, Mrs. Adelabu, expressed confidence in the agency’s leadership and commitment to change. She reassured residents that LASPA would pursue continuous improvement and innovation, entering a new phase of growth to ensure an efficient, accessible, and sustainable parking system in Lagos.
“We are committed to delivering a seamless parking experience for all Lagosians,” Mrs. Adelabu stated. “This retreat has equipped us to drive essential changes in parking management.
“As LASPA moves forward with its strategic vision, the agency is focused on expanding smart parking technologies, maximizing urban space for parking, constructing modern facilities, and introducing data-driven policies to guide future planning. Additionally, LASPA aims to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders and encourage public compliance with parking regulations.”
She revealed that over the next few months, Lagosians should expect more initiatives to reduce parking-induced traffic, create additional parking spaces, and enhance overall traffic flow from. LASPA.