Lagos plans stiffer penalties to curb street begging

The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has established a Special Task Force to combat street begging.

The Task Force comprises representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Youth, Lagos Neighborhood Safety Agency, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, Lagos State Task Force, and the Nigeria Police Force, among others.

At the inauguration in Alausa, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, who was appointed as Chairman highlighted the necessity of the Special Task Force due to the insufficient results from previous efforts, such as stakeholder meetings with Arewa Community Chiefs and sensitisation programmes.

A statement said Ogunlende emphasized the present administration’s commitment to enhancing the social safety net while addressing the issue of street begging.

“Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, emphasised the importance of taking decisive steps to combat street begging.

“Additionally, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu advised the Task Force to implement immediate, medium, and long-term measures to address the menace of street begging.

“Resolutions from the inaugural meeting included embarking on extensive sensitisation and advocacy, issuing a seven-day ultimatum, conducting rescue operations, relocating apprehended beggars to either Agbowa or Igando Internally Displaced Persons Camps, and strengthening penalties for street begging through legislative action by the State House of Assembly,” the statement added.