Lagos Govt warns residents and celebrities against giving money to street touts, saying it encourages lawlessness, insecurity, and worsens environmental problems
The Lagos State Government has once again sounded a cautionary note to celebrities, social media influencers, and residents, urging them to stop giving money to street touts and homeless youths.
Authorities warned that what may appear to be acts of kindness are, in fact, worsening both insecurity and environmental challenges in the state.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, explained that giving cash to miscreants only encourages them to remain on the streets, multiply in numbers, and continue their disruptive activities.
“Handing money to these individuals does not solve their problems. Instead, it reinforces a culture of lawlessness, emboldens them to continue their activities, and makes enforcement of laws more challenging,” Wahab said.
The Commissioner further noted that while some Lagosians may view such gestures as benevolent or charitable, they are inadvertently contributing to larger societal problems.
“Acts that may seem kind or generous on the surface are actually counterproductive. They make it more difficult for authorities to restore order, while simultaneously creating bigger security and environmental concerns for all residents,” he explained.
Wahab stressed that the government remains committed to tackling the menace of street miscreants but emphasized that success depends on the active cooperation of the public.
“We cannot address this issue alone. Residents must actively support government efforts by refusing to encourage miscreants.
Only through collective responsibility can we create a safer, more secure, and cleaner Lagos for everyone,” he stated.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Wahab directly addressed celebrities and residents, urging them to reconsider their approach.
“While your intentions may be valid, celebrities, influencers, and ordinary Lagosians must stop giving money to these miscreants.
“Each time you hand them cash, you are not helping them—you are perpetuating a cycle of lawlessness, making enforcement more difficult, and worsening security and environmental issues across the city,” he wrote.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over harassment, extortion, and intimidation by homeless youths along major roads, including the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
An X user, identified as Ajenifuja, drew attention to the problem, calling for increased intervention from law enforcement agencies.
“The state needs to station officers of the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch to help and protect motorists from harassment, extortion, assault, and intimidation by the many homeless boys and teenagers along that corridor. They are a menace to everyone,” he posted.
Authorities argue that tackling street miscreants requires a holistic approach—one that combines law enforcement, environmental management, and community cooperation.
By refusing to fund or encourage these individuals, residents can help reduce the number of people living and loitering on the streets.
This approach, the government insists, will not only enhance public safety but also improve the overall cleanliness and orderliness of Lagos State.
Wahab concluded with a strong appeal to the public: “Let us all play our part in breaking the cycle of street lawlessness. Support government initiatives, discourage miscreants, and together, we can build a city that is safe, secure, and conducive for all its residents.”