The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch has called on the Lagos State House of Assembly to ensure that the proposed Street Begging and Street Urchins (Prohibition, Prevention and Rehabilitation) Bill 2026 protects vulnerable persons while addressing public safety concerns. The bill aims to prohibit street begging and related activities in public places, and provide rehabilitation measures for offenders.
Speaking at a public hearing at Ikeja, Branch Chairman Uchenna Ogunedo Akingbade presented the Law Reform Committee's memorandum, highlighting the need for measures targeting child exploitation, obstruction of public spaces, and violent or coercive solicitation. The NBA emphasized that children found begging should be treated as children in need of care and protection under the Child Rights Law.
The NBA recommended that children found begging should not be processed alongside adult offenders, but rather receive care and protection under the Child Rights Law. The association also sought stronger sanctions against persons who exploit children for begging. Furthermore, the NBA called for safeguards on arrest, detention, and rehabilitation, including due process, court oversight, and defined time limits.
The proposed legislation would prohibit street begging and related activities in public places, and provide rehabilitation measures for offenders. Reports on the public hearing indicated that repeat offenders could face fines of up to N200,000 and imprisonment of up to two years if the bill becomes law. The bill also proposes clear responsibilities, adequate funding, and financial accountability for the agency proposed under the bill.
Other stakeholders supported legislative action, citing alleged cases of beggars using dangerous weapons to obtain money from motorists and pedestrians. However, some urged lawmakers to balance enforcement with rehabilitation and avoid criminalizing poverty. The stakeholders emphasized the need for a balanced approach to addressing the issue of street begging.
The NBA emphasized that the final law should preserve public safety while upholding fundamental rights and dignity. The association recommended protection of personal data and clear guidelines for the proposed agency. The NBA's input aims to ensure that the bill is fair and effective in addressing the issue of street begging in Lagos.
The public hearing was a crucial step in the legislative process, allowing stakeholders to provide input on the proposed bill. The Lagos State House of Assembly will now review the input from stakeholders, including the NBA, before passing the bill into law. The bill's passage will have significant implications for the welfare of vulnerable persons in Lagos.
Key points
- The Nigerian Bar Association seeks to ensure that the proposed Lagos bill protects vulnerable persons while addressing public safety concerns.
- The bill proposes fines of up to N200,000 and imprisonment of up to two years for repeat offenders.
- The NBA recommends safeguards on arrest, detention, and rehabilitation, including due process and court oversight.
