Lagos Moves to Tackle Street Begging, Child Hawking With Rehabilitation-Based Law

 

Representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), traditional institutions and community-based organisations have raised concerns over the growing insecurity allegedly associated with street begging in parts of Lagos, particularly along the Lekki-Epe and Ojodu-Berger areas.

The stakeholders expressed concern over allegations that some beggars resort to the use of weapons, particularly at night, to intimidate members of the public and compel them to hand over money.

They called for the establishment of additional rehabilitation centres, increased access to mental health services and the introduction of community service as part of measures to address the problem, rather than relying solely on brief arrests and subsequent releases.

Under the proposed legislation, the use of children for street begging or hawking would be prohibited, with children found in such circumstances to be taken into the care of relevant child-welfare authorities.

For adult offenders, the proposed law provides that those found guilty for the first time would be referred to rehabilitation programmes where they could receive vocational and trade skills training.

A second offence could attract either a financial penalty or a prison sentence of up to three months, while individuals who repeatedly violate the law could face imprisonment for a period of up to two years.

Government representatives said the proposed legislation would combine enforcement with rehabilitation, with the aim of helping offenders rebuild their lives while also addressing concerns about safety and order on Lagos streets.