Lagos blames public donations for resurgence of street begging

Abdullateef Fowewe

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has urged residents to stop financially supporting groups involved in aggressive street begging and nuisance activities on the state’s roads.

Wahab made the call in response to a video compilation showing young men approaching vehicles in traffic, allegedly harassing motorists and demanding money.

He said the state government had consistently taken action against the practice, noting that it had “apprehended and dislodged these street urchins from various locations across the State.”

However, the commissioner blamed the continued donations and patronage from some celebrities, influencers and members of the public for encouraging the groups to return to the streets.

“The continued financial support and patronage they receive from some influencers, celebrities, and members of the public, as seen in this video, inadvertently encourage them to return to the streets,” Wahab wrote.

He added that such support could make street begging appear to be “a lucrative means of livelihood” while also creating “a sense of entitlement” among those involved.

Wahab acknowledged the government’s responsibility to maintain safety and order but stressed that residents also had a role to play in addressing the problem.

“We therefore urge everyone to desist from activities that may inadvertently encourage lawlessness, insecurity, street begging, and environmental nuisance on our roads,” he said.

The commissioner called for collective action to support the development of “a safer, cleaner, and more orderly Lagos.”

The issue of street begging remains a recurring concern in the state, with authorities and lawmakers linking it to public safety, environmental order and the need for structured welfare interventions.