Lagos: Stakeholders okay prohibition of street begging

…At State Assembly Public Hearing

Stakeholders at a public hearing organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly have described the proposed law to prohibit street begging and activities of street urchins as long overdue.

The public hearing on the bill held on Tuesday at the Assembly Complex.

Speaking at the hearing, Lagos NBA Chairman, Mrs. Uchena Akingbade, said the menace is particularly severe along the Lekki-Epe corridor and called for urgent action, including the possibility of declaring a state of emergency in flashpoints.

Akingbade urged lawmakers to avoid ambiguity in the bill, define clearly the provision on “prohibition of loitering for the purpose of begging,” prescribe stiffer penalties for beggars found with dangerous weapons, and establish more rehabilitation centres.

Gbolahan Oki, who spoke on behalf of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, recalled the menace of area boys during the EndSARS period, noting that many offenders are undeterred by arrest because they believe they will be quickly released.

He advocated for a rehabilitation model where offenders are subjected to hard work and community service, referencing the Itekule concept where culprits produce bread and serve society.

Other stakeholders also raised concerns. Mr. Emmanuel Ikule, Executive Director of Elixir Trust Foundation, called for special attention to beggars with mental health challenges, citing cases at Pen Cinema and Ojodu-Berger where knives are allegedly used at night to extort money.

Adigun Olalekan, speaking for the youths, supported the bill and lamented the influx of unidentified persons into Lagos daily.

Counselling psychologist, Mrs. Suliat Olaniran, also decried the embarrassment caused by street begging at night, including alleged use of weapons to compel people to give money.

On its part, the bill seeks to establish a comprehensive framework to address street begging, promote public safety,
environmental sanity and child protection. It also seeks to prohibit parents, guardians and custodians from using or allowing children to engage in street begging or hawking.

Under the proposal, children apprehended would be treated in line with the Lagos State Child Rights Law and referred to child welfare authorities.

The bill proposes a rehabilitation-centred approach: first-time offenders would be cautioned and taken to rehabilitation centres, second-time offenders risk a fine or up to three months imprisonment, while serial offenders could face up to two years imprisonment.

The rehabilitation package includes temporary care, vocational training, literacy, psychological counselling, life-skills and welfare support.

Chairman, House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, said the bill recognizes that street begging goes beyond public order, with security, socio-economic and child protection dimensions.

He said the response must be “firm and humane,” protecting vulnerable children rather than merely punishing them, and ensuring enforcement respects fundamental rights under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution.

Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, who represented Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, assured that the law is not intended to infringe on rights, and welcomed partnerships with the private sector.

The bill also proposes collaboration among government agencies, the Police, LNSC, traditional institutions, religious bodies, civil society and the private sector.