In Lagos, accessing public parks is becoming expensive

Until 2024 at least, entry into the JJT Park was free for individuals. The park only charged for groups of ten or more, or for those booking specific areas for events.

An Abuja-based hospitality specialist, Mr. David Ugochukwu, had been in Lagos for a few days on business. On a recent Monday, with time to spare before a meeting, he decided to find a place to relax and was directed to the Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park in Alausa.

At the gate, officials asked him if he had a Lagos State Tax Identification Number, so he could make a N1,000 access fee payment. When he said no, he was offered an alternative through the Lagos Consolidated Revenue Account.

What Mr. Ugochukwu didn’t realise was that this was part of a new policy. Until 2024 at least, entry into the JJT Park was free for individuals. The park only charged for groups of ten or more, or for those booking specific areas for events.

In 2024, the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) introduced a N1,000 access fee for individuals at public parks, including JJT Park.

In May 2024, LASPARK announced a waiver of the fee in celebration of Workers' Day on their Instagram page. A similar exempti…