The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, has publicly urged celebrities, influencers, and residents to stop giving money to street beggars, stating that such acts inadvertently encourage the growing menace of street begging in the state. In a response to a post on X (formerly Twitter), Wahab highlighted that the state government has been consistently apprehending and dislodging street urchins, but the financial support they receive from the public undermines these efforts.
Government's Ongoing Efforts Against Street Begging
Wahab disclosed that the Lagos State Government has been actively arresting and dislodging beggars across various locations in the state. This statement comes amid rising concerns over the safety of motorists and pedestrians, as street begging has escalated into more aggressive behaviors, including harassment and vandalism. The commissioner emphasized that while the government is committed to maintaining order, individual actions play a critical role in sustaining the problem.
In his detailed response, Wahab said: "Thank you for the feedback. The State Government has consistently apprehended and dislodged these street urchins from various locations across the State. However, 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 and, in some cases, view it as a lucrative means of livelihood, while also breeding a sense of entitlement."
Rising Trend of Aggressive Street Begging
The issue of street begging is not new in Lagos, but there has been a notable increase in the number of young men loitering on the streets, chasing flashy cars for money. Throughout 2026, several videos have circulated on social media showing groups of young men, sometimes in their hundreds, surrounding vehicles and refusing to let drivers pass until they are given money. These incidents have primarily targeted celebrities and owners of luxury cars, but ordinary motorists have also been affected.
One notable incident involved the sister of Afrobeats superstar Ayra Starr, who lamented that her car was vandalized by street beggars after she refused to give them money. Earlier in the year, Afrobeats star Mavo and content creator Samuel Banks also reported damage to their vehicles by street boys demanding money. These cases highlight the growing threat to lives and property, prompting calls for more decisive action from the government.
Public Reactions and Calls for Government Action
While Wahab's remarks have drawn attention to the role of public giving, some observers argue that many people give money to beggars out of fear of conflict or damage to their vehicles, rather than as a deliberate act of encouragement. They point out that the aggressive tactics used by these street urchins leave motorists with little choice but to comply to avoid potential harm.
The growing concern has also sparked calls for the Lagos State Government to implement stricter measures. In a post on X, a user named Ademuyiwa Adebola (@ThisIsAdemuyiwa) urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other officials to consider an executive order or legislation to address the issue. The post read: "Good morning Mr. Governor @jidesanwoolu, @tokunbo_wahab and Madam Toke Benson. Kindly watch this documentary. Executive order or legislation via HoA must be considered to fix this issue of begging in Lagos State. These guys can discourage tourists and kill the hospitality industry."
The Need for Collective Responsibility
Wahab acknowledged that it is the government's responsibility to ensure the safety and orderliness of the streets, but he also stressed the importance of collective responsibility. He urged everyone to desist from activities that inadvertently encourage lawlessness, insecurity, and environmental nuisance. "We therefore urge everyone to desist from activities that may inadvertently encourage lawlessness, insecurity, street begging, and environmental nuisance on our roads. Collective responsibility and cooperation are essential to building a safer, cleaner, and more orderly Lagos," he added.
As Lagos continues to grapple with this challenge, the state government is expected to intensify its efforts to curb street begging and protect residents and visitors alike. The balance between enforcement and addressing the root causes of begging remains a complex issue, but the call for public cooperation is clear.
