Street Begging and Touting Are Damaging Lagos’ Image and Safety

Lagos is often the first Nigerian city experienced by visitors, so street begging, touting and harassment can shape wider perceptions of the country. When commuters, residents and visitors feel unsafe in public spaces, it becomes more than a local nuisance. The problem includes vulnerable children living on the streets, aggressive extortion by touts and weak enforcement against those who harass people at events, film locations and on the roads. Reports involving entertainers have also drawn attention to how exposed public figures and ordinary residents can be. We need solutions that protect vulnerable children without criminalising poverty. Responsible parenting, family support, access to education and shelter, effective social services, and firm action against extortion and violence should work together. Lagos must make its public spaces safer and more dignified for everyone.

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