The Lagos State Government Urges Public to End Cash Handouts to Street Touts
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has cautioned celebrities, influencers, and the general public against giving money to touts and homeless youths on the city’s streets.
This public advisory came after a concerned 𝕏 user brought up the issue of harassment and extortion perpetrated by groups of homeless boys and teenagers along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, urging the government to take swift and decisive steps.
The online complaint stated:
“The State needs to station the men of the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch to help & protect motorists from the harassment, extortion, assault & intimidation by the many homeless boys & teenagers along that corridor. They are all a menace to us all @followlasg @tokunbo_wahab.”
Responding to this, Wahab emphasized that although giving cash may seem compassionate, it actually aggravates the situation.
He explained that providing money to street miscreants only encourages their presence, increases their numbers, and perpetuates disorder.
Wahab stated:
“Celebrities, influencers, and well-meaning Lagosians must stop giving money to these miscreants. Each time you hand them cash, you are not solving their problem; you are encouraging them to stay on the streets, emboldening them to multiply, and reinforcing a cycle of lawlessness.”
“What might seem like a generous gesture actually makes enforcement more challenging and leads to greater security and environmental threats for everyone.”
