Parking policy for traffic management, not revenue generation - LASG  - Newstrends
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Parking policy for traffic management, not revenue generation – LASG 

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Lagos State Government has clarified that its just introduced parking policy is a measure to address gridlocks, reduce travel time and increase lifespan of roads across the state.

It said the arrangement was neither for witch hunting nor revenue generation.

It said that the policy was to ensure that people stop parking indiscriminately on setbacks and those using the portion of the road for commercial purposes, thereby putting pressure on the road facility as well as inflicting pains on other users do not engage in such without any check.

According to the government, the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) was created to find lasting solutions to the issues of illegal parking that had limited motorists to opportunity to commute freely across the state.

The clarification was made during a joint press briefing in Ikeja on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde, his Information and Strategy counterpart, Gbenga Omotoso, as well as the General Manager for LASPA, Adebisi Adelabu.

He added that with legal operation of LASPA, it would aid prompt reduction of traffic gridlock experienced by everyone, appealing to residents for cooperation with the agency on the agenda to remove some of the impediments on roads.

Oladeinde said, “As it is usually the case, especially in a political season, political jobbers and people with limited knowledge on the constitutional mandates of LASPA have tried fruitlessly to exaggerate the issue by playing to the gallery.

“LASPA was created to find lasting solutions to the issues of indiscriminate and illegal parking across the state. This will aid prompt reduction of traffic gridlock experienced by everyone. We, thus, enjoin Lagosians to cooperate with the agency and other similar stakeholders in carrying out its laudable mandate.

“The agency was established, among others, to promote parking policies tailored to suit the peculiarity of the State in line with modern international standards towards achieving a smart city.

” LASPA is also empowered to remove all impediments arising from indiscriminate parking on carriageways, thereby increasing the carriageway capacity on the roads, improving the flow of traffic and reducing travel time.

“First on our mandate is to improve the parking culture. We also believe that the establishment of the Authority also enables employment opportunities for the youths. In doing so, it is expected that revenue generation will come naturally.

“We have the mandate to charge fees on private commercial parks, non-commercial parks and other parking lots on any facility provided by the Authority.

“Let me emphasize that most private commercial parks charge the Lagosians between N500 to N1,000 parking dues per hour and each person parking at these respective parks can have four stops over which sums up to N2,000 or N4,000 daily.

“At the end of the year, the commercial park owner will realize over N182,500 or N365,000 if charges is per hour or gain a total N730,000 or N1,460,000 for 4 stopovers. This is the price most Lagosians pay to commercial park owners.

The Commissioner however stated, “LASPA levy of N80,000 divided by the No of days in a year result to N219 only against the above charges of commercial park owners. The difference is clear as the government is quite considerate and responsive in making the environment conducive for all.

“It is important to restate that, being a government that respects the constitution as the sole source of its engagement with the public, the State Government will never resort to any unconstitutional means in its dealing with the people.”

The LASPA boss explained that the agency’s mandate was not to make money from the people rather ensure that the state become more liveable for all irrespective of their status in Lagos.

Adelabu added that through the agency, the unemployment ratio in the state would reduce drastically as many would be for some of the parking services that would be going on afterwards in Lagos.

She noted that the manner of indiscriminate parking was not only unfair to the government but also to Lagosians that needed to use the road whenever they are blocked by motorists.

“We have being engaging owners of event centres, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Muslim association on the need to have parking space for their members and not park on the road, disturbing other road users in the state. We believe that if you want to build a mega church, you provide mega parking space.

“It is not solely about to make money, we are solving problems. We are not trying to take away commercial parks but if you are getting into the business, the State needs to regulate. It is important to have you on our database.”

“If you are making space for parking outside your title, you will need a permit. As long as you are using government setbacks, you still need a permit. This is because government may decide, in the future to use the setbacks for something else,” she added.

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Xenophobia: Nigeria Evacuates 111 More Citizens From South Africa as Returnees Hit 2,037

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October 11, 2026

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Xenophobia: Nigeria Evacuates 111 More Citizens From South Africa as Returnees Hit 2,037
Xenophobia: Nigeria Evacuates 111 More Citizens From South Africa as Returnees Hit 2,037

The Federal Government of Nigeria has evacuated another 111 distressed citizens from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of Nigerians repatriated under the ongoing exercise to 2,037.

The latest batch, comprising 44 men, 23 women and 44 children, arrived in Lagos aboard South African Airways Flight SA060 on Thursday, October 8, 2026, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The returnees were received by officials of the ministry, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant federal government agencies.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, the ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said the evacuation was fully funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) through its $265,854 donation to support the repatriation of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

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The latest arrival brings to 318 the number of Nigerians whose one-way tickets have been funded by the church, leaving 182 tickets under its commitment yet to be covered.

The ministry said the latest flight was the 15th consular evacuation from South Africa since the exercise began on June 10, 2026.

Of the 2,037 Nigerians evacuated so far, 1,388 had their repatriation costs fully covered by the Federal Government, according to the ministry.

The government expressed appreciation to the RCCG, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial contribution towards bringing distressed Nigerians home.

The evacuation programme follows concerns over xenophobia and Afrophobia in South Africa, where Nigerians and other African nationals have faced reported hostility and attacks. The Nigerian government said it would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address the situation and promote the safety and dignity of Nigerians living in the country.

The ministry also urged Nigerians still residing in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety.

It advised citizens who require assistance to maintain contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for consular support.

The government reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora and providing timely assistance to citizens who find themselves in distress abroad.

With more Nigerians still undergoing verification and clearance for possible repatriation, the authorities are expected to continue coordinating with relevant agencies and partners to facilitate further evacuations.

 

Xenophobia: Nigeria Evacuates 111 More Citizens From South Africa as Returnees Hit 2,037

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How Bauchi Court Jailed Three 21 Years Each for Abducting Seven Children

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6 hours ago

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October 11, 2026

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Court Gavel

How Bauchi Court Jailed Three 21 Years Each for Abducting Seven Children

A Bauchi State High Court has sentenced three defendants to 21 years’ imprisonment each for criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and the abduction of seven children who were allegedly given new identities after being taken from their families.

The judgment was delivered on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, by Justice Farouq Sarki, following a trial involving 11 defendants. The case attracted attention because of allegations that the children, some of whom were as young as three years old, were taken from their biological families and given different names.

According to reports by Channels Television, the three defendants sentenced to prison terms were identified as Ruth Yarima, Chika Izuegbu and Abner Samuel. Each was sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Two of the defendants were reportedly convicted on all 21 counts against them, while the third was found guilty on three counts. The court, however, discharged and acquitted the remaining eight defendants standing trial in the case.

The prosecution followed investigations into a suspected child-trafficking network whose activities reportedly involved children who disappeared from Bauchi State at different times between 2016 and 2023.

The investigation reportedly recorded a breakthrough in December 2023, when the Bauchi State Police Command arrested suspected members of the network. The arrests paved the way for the prosecution, which commenced in March 2024.

The children were subsequently rescued and reunited with their families, bringing relief to relatives who had spent years searching for them.

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The case drew particular attention over allegations that the abducted children were assigned new names after being taken from their biological families. The children were identified in reports as Usman Adamu, Mahmud Bilyaminu, Muhammad Iliyasu, Aisha, Hafizu Hassan, Abdulmudanlib Sa’adu and Asiya Mukhtar.

According to the reports, their names were changed to Chibuke, Chibunna, Chibere, Chi’amaka, Ukechukwu, Ifeanyi Chukwu and Chioma, respectively. The children were reportedly between infancy and five years old when they were abducted.

The alleged renaming of the children was a particularly disturbing aspect of the case, as changing a child’s identity can complicate efforts by relatives and law enforcement agencies to establish the child’s origins and trace missing family members.

The Bauchi State Government welcomed the convictions, describing the judgment as an important step towards securing justice for the victims and their families.

The State Solicitor-General, Sabi’u Gumba, said the families had endured considerable emotional distress while trying to establish the whereabouts of their missing children. He highlighted the anguish parents experience when they do not know where their children are or whether they are safe.

Gumba also defended the sentences in view of the seriousness of the offences and the suffering allegedly caused by the abductions. The government urged parents, guardians and communities to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect children against abduction, trafficking and other forms of exploitation.

Despite the convictions, the case may proceed to another stage of litigation, as defence lawyers indicated plans to challenge the judgment.

Ogbuchi Ben, counsel to the third defendant, said the defence intended to appeal the conviction, arguing that there was insufficient basis for the court’s decision against his client.

Florence Bwala, counsel to the second defendant, also noted that her client had the right to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.

Any appeal would give the appellate court an opportunity to examine the grounds raised by the affected defendants in accordance with the law.

The Bauchi case highlights the challenges associated with child abduction and trafficking, as well as the importance of prompt reporting when a child goes missing. It also underscores the need for effective investigations, cooperation among law enforcement agencies and sustained efforts to protect minors from exploitation.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to report missing children promptly to the police and provide relevant identifying information that could assist investigations.

The convictions mark a significant development in the prosecution of those found guilty in the case, while the acquittal of the other defendants and the announced intention to appeal underline the importance of due process in the administration of criminal justice.

How Bauchi Court Jailed Three 21 Years Each for Abducting Seven Children

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Tension in Kano as Phone Traders Confront Chinese Sellers Over Cheaper Phones

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October 11, 2026

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Tension in Kano as Phone Traders Confront Chinese Sellers Over Cheaper Phones
Tension in Kano as Phone Traders Confront Chinese Sellers Over Cheaper Phones

Phone traders in Kano State have confronted Chinese nationals accused of selling mobile phones directly to consumers at lower prices, reigniting concerns over foreign competition and the survival of local retail businesses in Nigeria.

The confrontation, reportedly captured in a video circulating on social media on Saturday, October 10, 2026, saw aggrieved traders challenge a Chinese national over alleged direct sales in a local market.

In the footage, some traders warned the foreign sellers against continuing the disputed business activities, insisting that their presence and pricing practices were undermining local dealers.

The traders alleged that Chinese sellers were bypassing established distribution channels by selling phones directly to consumers rather than supplying Nigerian retailers, who traditionally buy from importers and wholesalers before reselling to the public.

They argued that foreign suppliers with direct access to manufacturers could offer lower prices, making it difficult for local dealers to compete and maintain their businesses.

The traders expressed concern that the alleged practice could reduce their sales, threaten jobs and undermine the livelihoods of people who depend on the mobile phone retail business.

However, the circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain unclear. The identities of those involved, the precise location of the incident and whether any formal complaint was filed have not been independently established. There was also no confirmed information about arrests or police intervention.

The Kano dispute comes amid growing tensions between Nigerian traders and Chinese business operators over the boundaries between wholesale distribution and direct retail sales.

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A similar disagreement emerged in September at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, where members of the Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association of Nigeria (ASPMDA) protested against what they described as direct retail activities by Chinese business operators.

The Lagos traders alleged that some foreign businesses were selling goods directly to consumers, putting local retailers at a disadvantage because of differences in purchasing power, supply chains and access to manufacturers.

The disagreement prompted discussions involving market representatives, the trade fair management board and security officials, who sought to prevent the dispute from escalating.

During efforts to resolve the Lagos disagreement, stakeholders called for clearer rules defining the respective roles of wholesalers and retailers. Representatives of the Chinese business community also indicated that businesses found engaging in prohibited activities should be reported for appropriate action.

The dispute has since highlighted wider concerns about foreign investment, fair competition and the protection of Nigerian small businesses.

Local traders argue that they need a level playing field to compete with businesses that source products directly from manufacturers. They also want authorities to clarify the conditions under which foreign operators can participate in Nigeria’s retail sector.

However, selling products at lower prices does not automatically establish wrongdoing. Determining whether a business has breached the law requires evidence of the relevant activities and the regulations governing its operations.

Consumers, meanwhile, may benefit from lower prices and greater choice when competition increases. The challenge for regulators is to ensure that competition remains lawful and fair while protecting consumers and supporting sustainable local enterprise.

The Kano confrontation has renewed calls for government agencies and market authorities to clarify Nigeria’s foreign trade and retail regulations, investigate credible complaints and provide mechanisms for resolving commercial disputes peacefully.

Authorities will also need to ensure that disagreements over business practices do not lead to intimidation, threats or violence against traders of any nationality.

For now, the central issue remains whether the alleged direct sales in Kano violate applicable regulations or market rules. An official response clarifying the circumstances of the incident would help establish the facts and determine whether further action is necessary.

 

Tension in Kano as Phone Traders Confront Chinese Sellers Over Cheaper Phones

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