The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a bill that seeks to ban street begging, street urchins and related activities across the state.
The proposed law, titled A Bill for a Law to Prohibit Street Begging, Street Urchins and Related Vices in Lagos State and for Connected Purposes, was debated during plenary on Wednesday.
Lawmakers said the measure is aimed at tackling growing concerns that street begging is affecting security, sanitation and the image of Nigeria's commercial capital.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the bill is not meant to stop people from helping those in need.
Instead, he argued that donations should be made through proper channels rather than on the streets.
"If there is no giver, there will be no beggar," Obasa said.
Some lawmakers, however, urged the Assembly to balance enforcement with compassion.
The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I, Desmond Elliot, warned against treating poverty as a crime.
"We must give this legislation a human face.
"There should be rehabilitation centres where those taken off the streets can receive care, support and opportunities for reform," he said.
Bonu Solomon, who represents Badagry Constituency I, said the bill should cover both children and adults engaged in begging.
He also called for measures to discourage indiscriminate giving, saying it encourages the practice.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Youth and Social Development, which is expected to report back to the Assembly within two weeks before further legislative action.
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