Lagos Assembly moves to ban street begging

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday took a big step by passing a bill for second reading. This bill aims to stop street begging across the state. Lawmakers said the rising number of beggars on main roads and public areas is now a public safety and environmental issue.

In a statement from the Public Affairs Directorate of the assembly, the bill discussed during plenary aims to tackle street begging and create rules for a social problem that affects safety, cleanliness, and the image of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub.

During the discussion, lawmakers had different opinions on how to carry out the bill. Many suggested that instead of just punishing beggars, there should be efforts for rehabilitation and social support.

This bill comes as the Lagos State Government is trying hard to deal with street begging. On Tuesday, the government announced that it arrested 396 beggars in an operation across the state. Those caught will be profiled before being sent back to their home states.

Desmond Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency I, urged the government to show compassion, especially towards children found begging. He said vulnerable kids should be taken off the streets and given care, rehabilitation, and social services. He also mentioned that relevant government agencies need to do their jobs well.

Aro Moshood, representing Ikorodu Constituency II, called for a careful look at the bill. He warned against possible abuse or misinterpretation by law enforcement once the law is in place.

Bonu Solomon, who represents Badagry Constituency I, said many street beggars in Lagos are not from the state. He suggested that the law should not only focus on adult beggars but also discourage people from giving money, as this encourages begging.

Noheem Adams, representing Eti-Osa 1, described the bill as a needed step. He suggested moving beggars to rehabilitation centers where they can get vocational training, counseling, and other types of support.

He added that states like Kano, Kaduna, Niger, Anambra, and Abia, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, have already started actions to tackle street begging.

The Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, said while helping the less privileged is good, the rising issue of street begging has become a security and public worry. He proposed creating proper channels for charity donations to reach those who genuinely need help, while ensuring that beggars are rehabilitated and brought back into society.

He also asked that the new legislation be aligned with current laws to make sure it works well. After the debate, the Speaker sent the bill to the House Committee on Youth, Sports, and Social Development. This committee is expected to report back to the House in two weeks.

Following this, the Assembly adjourned plenary indefinitely.