- There has been a rapid increase in street begging and almsgiving to beggars in Lagos
- In response, the Lagos State House of Assembly wants to criminalise street begging by establishing an act
- Netizens react to the proposed law of criminalising beggars in Lagos
Lagos State's move to regulate street begging stems from the Lagos State House of Assembly's ongoing discussions about enacting a law to criminalise street begging and the giving of alms to beggars. The proposed legislation aims to address the growing issue of street begging, which lawmakers argue has become a public nuisance and a cover for criminal activities.
Why Lagos wants to establish law against street begging
This move is driven by concerns that organised groups exploit children and vulnerable individuals, using them for begging operations. By penalising both begging and giving, the Assembly hopes to cut off the financial incentives that sustain these operations.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, at the launch of the Ibile Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation in Lagos, emphasised that addressing the root causes of street begging is essential. He noted that previous efforts to curb begging have been unsuccessful, partly due to the lack of enforcement and continued public support for street beggars.
The foundation, launched at an event sponsored by Lotus Bank in Lagos, aims to empower underprivileged Muslims and alleviate poverty by promoting Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf.
Obasa explained that the new law is expected to empower state government and foundations like the Ibile Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation where those who wish to give alms can do so in a controlled and accountable manner, ensuring that the aid reaches those genuinely in need.
According to him, the law would also ensure that donations reach the needy without them having to beg on the streets. He also noted that the rising number of beggars in Lagos necessitated the regulation.
“We are looking at how we can manage such situations to stop beggars from parading the streets of Lagos begging for alms.
“Following such legislation, anyone caught begging on the streets or aiding such, particularly among children, would also be sanctioned according to the law,” Obasa said.
Nigerians react to Lagos plan to regulate street begging
As seen on X, Nigerians react to the proposed law criminalising street beggars in Lagos. TheRadar has gathered some of the comments and presented them below:
@Yemi_of_Lagos said: “When will they criminalize unlawful extortion of motorists by Agbero’s in Lagos too???
@exkados wrote: “There are dozens of them slowing down traffic while causing nuisance right at the junction of the addo road when coming out into ajah bridge. They make movement damn near impossible sometime!”
@Northernkid01 commented: “Are you trying to create a civil war between Yoruba and other tribes in Nigeria? Yesterday it was Igbos today it is Hausa. Continue soon you will be served breakfast.”
@EbenezerAnoint2 said: “A starting point, the begging is becoming a lucrative business for some people, I hope they implement it immediately”
@DonDavePhD wrote: “If you TRULY live in Lagos and ply its roads on daily basis, you will embrace this law. Street begging is a menace in Lag already. But if you re not in Lag, you have no say in this!”
@smartbenson1 said: “What of criminalizing agbero aka touts cos dem full every under bridge now for Lagos dey weley people.”
@Obiora_Marie commented: “It is not appropriate to criminalize street begging without addressing the underlying causes that push individuals into such circumstances. If such a measure is to be considered, it should begin with an examination of the role of the government and its officials in contributing to the problem. Additionally, addressing the activities of individuals like MC Oluomo and thugs who engage in forceful begging under the guise of "tax" should be prioritized.”
@ViktorEdeh said: “Without creating job opportunities? Better start expanding the prisons now!”
@Obi_Akamel wrote: “Supported, because most of them are actually working for some big Alhajis and making daily returns. But don’t forget to criminalize Agbero and selling in traffic too. Make e go round E,W,&N.”
@NaijamadeNurse wrote: “Even in the wealthiest cities in Europe, you have beggers, let alone a country that doesn't care about the less privilege.”
@eben_ola commented: “It’s about time and I hope other state assemblies emulate this. The root of this menace originates from inefficiencies of the government at all levels. Before criminalizing begging, what alternatives have been provided to keep them busy and self-reliant?”
@UddyTography said: “Better... They should also do the same for Agberos and Omonile. The nuisance is on the epic rise.”
@UvanaKevin wrote: “Majority of beggars in Lagos don't even appear like in the picture above. Just agberos and normal looking folks aggressively approaching and requesting that you give them money.”
Lagos State to transform its transport sector
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Lagos State Government plans to transform its transportation sector by installing CCTV cameras, introducing transport police, and other measures.
According to the report, the policy would be implemented in phases: within two years, two to five years, five to ten years, and up to 15 years.