Breaking : The Lagos State Assembly to criminalise street soliciting and begging.

Today, members of the Lagos State Assembly deliberated on the possibility of enacting legislation to prohibit street soliciting throughout the state.

If enacted, the legislation would additionally impose penalties on citizens who encourage street begging. This would render monetary donations to street beggars illegal.

House Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who characterised street begging as a threat to the state, reportedly concurred with legislators in plenary that criminal elements masquerading as petitioners have taken over the streets (The Frontier).

In response to the motion introduced by Honourable Abiodun Orekoya and several of his colleagues, Dr. Obasa stated that despite the endeavours of previous administrations in the state to mitigate the issue of street begging, it persisted.

Obasa underscored the criticality of enacting legislation that would render street begging illegal and impose penalties on those who offer money to petitioners while walking.

“By addressing the source, it becomes possible to mitigate its effects.” One encounters minors soliciting on the road who are between the ages of five and six. It indicates that established groupings of individuals are benefiting from this. They provide for and warehouse them.

“In addition to the child rights legislation, we ought to enact an additional statute that addresses the concepts of pleading and donating.” We must establish real institutions and legislation to address the issue of begging.

The Speaker stated that the proposed legislation ought to incorporate a centre where those desiring to contribute alms could do so, with the centre itself ensuring that the funds are distributed to those in need.

He stated, “The law will establish a fund to be administered by individuals of integrity; therefore, those in need will be able to access it.”

He stated that in addition to assisting individuals in fulfilling their religious obligations regarding almsgiving, this would reduce roadside criminal activity, discourage street soliciting, and encourage greater accountability among locals.

The Speaker stated that the state’s objective of creating a smart city is unattainable in an area where petitioners swarm the roadways, obstructing free movement and committing crimes such as drug trafficking and vehicle theft.

Concerned about the means by which youngsters as young as five or six could travel from other states to Lagos, he speculated that certain individuals might be providing sponsorship and lodging.

The Speaker, advocating for a comprehensive approach to resolve the issue, stated that it is preferable to address it at its source, which entails discouraging individuals from donating directly to roadside petitioners.

In addition, Obasa implored local government chairmen to devise strategies for regulating street trading as opposed to simply threatening to evict vendors.

“Street trading occurs on a global scale.” Our council chairmen are tasked with developing strategies to improve the management of trader activities within their respective domains.

“How does one construct a store for N30 million?” What will the vendors be offering for sale?

“Where do you want them to go if you eliminate them all?” He inquired.