The Lagos State House of Assembly has held a public hearing on the Street Begging and Street Urchins (Prohibition, Prevention and Rehabilitation) Bill 2026, seeking to address street begging, improve security and enhance public safety across the state.
The hearing, held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, brought together civil society organisations, legal practitioners, psychologists and other stakeholders to deliberate on the proposed legislation.
The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive framework to rid public spaces of street begging and street urchins while promoting rehabilitation and environmental sanity.
Under the proposed legislation, first time offenders would receive warnings and be referred to custodial rehabilitation and welfare centres.
Second-time offenders could face a fine of up to ₦200,000, a non-custodial sentence of up to three months, or both, while serial offenders could be sentenced to up to two years in prison.
The bill also prohibits parents, guardians and custodians from using or allowing children to engage in street begging or hawking. Apprehended children would be protected under the Lagos State Child Rights Law and referred to welfare authorities. Authorised environmental and enforcement officers would also be empowered to arrest suspected offenders without a warrant and seize property connected to the offence.
However, representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch, supported the bill’s objectives while calling for safeguards to prevent the criminalisation of poverty, disability and homelessness. The NBA further demanded financial accountability within proposed welfare agencies and protection of personal data.
Youth and civil society groups urged the Assembly to prioritise humane enforcement, education, skills development and empowerment opportunities for vulnerable persons.
Psychologists and foundation directors also raised concerns about alleged late night security threats at locations including Pen Cinema and Ojodu-Berger, where weapons were reportedly used under the guise of begging to extort motorists and pedestrians.
Deputy Speaker  Assures Stakeholders of Rights Protection
The Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, assured stakeholders that the bill would not deprive citizens of their fundamental human rights. She said feedback from the hearing would guide further refinement of the bill before its next legislative reading.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
