Key points
- Lagos Assembly has passed for second reading a bill seeking to prohibit street begging across the state.
- Lawmakers say the legislation will improve security, public order and environmental sanitation.
- Members advocate rehabilitation, vocational training and protection for vulnerable children.
- The bill has been referred to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.
Main story
The Lagos State House of Assembly has moved a step closer to outlawing street begging after lawmakers passed a bill seeking to prohibit the practice across the state for a second reading.
During debate on the proposed legislation, members of the Assembly said the bill was intended to tackle the growing presence of street beggars, which they argued had become a challenge to public safety, environmental cleanliness and the state’s image.
The lawmakers maintained that beyond restricting street begging, the legislation should provide long-term solutions by promoting rehabilitation, vocational training and social support for those affected, particularly vulnerable children.
They also stressed the need to build safeguards into the law to prevent abuse by enforcement agencies once the legislation comes into force.
Desmond Elliot, who represents Surulere Constituency, urged the government to prioritise the welfare of children found begging on the streets, saying they should be taken off the roads and provided with appropriate care, protection and rehabilitation rather than treated as offenders.
Aro Moshood, representing Ikorodu II Constituency, called for a thorough review of the bill before its final passage to eliminate provisions that could be misunderstood or misapplied during enforcement.
For his part, Bonu Solomon of Badagry I Constituency argued that many of the people engaged in street begging were not residents of Lagos. He proposed sanctions against individuals who encourage the practice through indiscriminate almsgiving while supporting the arrest of adult beggars.
Majority Leader Noheem Adams described the bill as a necessary response to a persistent social challenge and advocated relocating beggars to rehabilitation centres where they could receive vocational training and social support. He noted that several states, including Kano, Kaduna, Niger, Anambra and Abia, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, have adopted similar measures.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa also urged residents to channel charitable donations through structured government programmes rather than giving directly on the streets, adding that genuine beggars should be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.
Following the debate, the Speaker referred the bill to the House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development, directing it to report back to the Assembly within two weeks.
The issues
Lagos authorities have long expressed concern over the increasing number of people begging on major roads and public spaces, citing implications for security, sanitation and traffic management. While the proposed legislation seeks to prohibit street begging, lawmakers insist enforcement should be complemented by rehabilitation programmes and social welfare interventions to address the underlying causes of the problem.
What’s being said
“Street begging has become a threat to public safety, environmental sanitation and the image of Lagos State.” — Lagos State lawmakers
“Genuine beggars should be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society through coordinated government interventions.” — Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly
What’s next
The House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development will review the bill and submit its recommendations to the Assembly within two weeks before lawmakers consider it for a third reading and possible passage.
Bottom line
The Lagos Assembly is pushing to ban street begging while pairing enforcement with rehabilitation and social support measures aimed at improving public order and protecting vulnerable people.
