Despite laws protecting children, child begging persists in Nigeria, depriving them of dignity, education, and safety. The Child Rights Act of 2003 prohibits child trafficking, labor, and exploitation, but the practice continues.
Children are used for begging in many Nigerian cities, often with parental consent. Some are rented out or trafficked for this purpose. This exploitation violates their rights, exposing them to physical and emotional harm, and denying them education.
Stella Francis, Executive Director of Glowing Splints Development Initiatives, notes, “Using children to beg perpetuates the cycle of poverty, denying them access to education and limiting their future prospects.”
Child development specialist Professor Olubunmi Ajayi adds, “Children begging on the streets are prone to accidents, physical abuse, and sexual molestation, leading to low self-esteem.”
The practice has long-term social implications, including intergenerational poverty, social inequalities, and increased crime rates. To address this, the government should pass the pending Labour Standard bill, which enforces the hazardous work list, including child begging.
Lagos State has a rescue operations unit that removes beggars from the streets, providing care, education, and counseling. However, despite these efforts, the issue persists, with many individuals perceiving begging as a way of life.
To combat child begging, it’s essential to strengthen laws, raise awareness about its harm, and support families in poverty to prevent child exploitation. As Ajayi notes, “Using children to beg strengthens and elongates the cycle of poverty.”