By Seun Ibiyemi
The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has wrapped up a three-day leadership retreat aimed at reshaping parking management across Lagos with innovative, sustainable, and tech-driven strategies. Held from November 8th to 11th, 2024, at the Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate and facilitated by Candor Consulting, the retreat focused on “Serving & Improving the Parking Needs of Lagos State” in alignment with the THEMES+ Agenda.
Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, opened the event by presenting LASPA’s ambitious vision to transform Lagos’ parking infrastructure.
He highlighted the importance of effective parking solutions in alleviating traffic congestion, improving road safety, and enhancing urban mobility—all key aspects of the Lagos THEMES+ Agenda.
The Commissioner detailed plans to introduce smart parking technologies, using real-time data to reduce parking search time and ease traffic flow.
He also outlined upcoming initiatives for regulated on-street parking and the development of modern parking facilities in high-demand areas, made possible through public-private partnerships.
“We cannot achieve this alone,” Mr. Osiyemi emphasized, calling on private sector collaboration to expand parking infrastructure, particularly in high-density regions.
He also emphasized LASPA’s focus on sustainability, noting plans to establish dedicated EV parking and charging stations, aligning with Lagos’ shift towards electric mobility.
Highlighting the role of professional development, Mr. Osiyemi stressed the need for accountability and continuous improvement within LASPA’s workforce. “Our team must set a standard of excellence in service delivery,” he noted, encouraging staff to lead by example in transforming Lagos’ parking landscape.
Special Adviser on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, echoed the Commissioner’s message, urging LASPA to collaborate closely with other transportation agencies to achieve shared goals. “Our success depends on working together,” he said, underlining the importance of a unified approach.
Permanent Secretary, Mr. Wale Musa, acknowledged potential challenges ahead, encouraging LASPA to remain committed to its vision of a world-class parking system.
He reinforced the significance of inter-agency cooperation in advancing Lagos’ transportation goals.
LASPA’s General Manager, Mrs. Adelabu, assured Lagos residents of LASPA’s commitment to continuous improvement. “We are entering a new phase to provide an efficient, accessible, and sustainable parking system for Lagos,” she stated, underscoring the agency’s focus on enhancing urban space, developing data-driven policies, and introducing smart parking technologies.
In the coming months, Lagosians can expect LASPA to roll out new initiatives aimed at reducing parking-related congestion, creating additional parking spaces, and optimizing traffic flow.