NBA Seeks Rights Safeguards in Lagos Begging Bill

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch has called upon the Lagos State House of Assembly to ensure the 2026 Street Begging and Street Urchins Prohibition, Prevention and Rehabilitation Bill safeguards vulnerable individuals while tackling public safety concerns. At a public hearing in Ikeja, the NBA's Law Reform Committee's memorandum emphasized the need for measures against child exploitation, obstructing public spaces, and coercive solicitation.

The organization stressed treating children engaged in begging as those needing care and protection under the Child Rights Law, rather than processing them alongside adult offenders. The NBA also advocated for stronger penalties against those exploiting children for begging. Additional recommendations included safeguards on arrest, detention, and rehabilitation, such as due process, court oversight, and time limits.

The group urged clear responsibilities, adequate funding, financial accountability for the agency under the Bill, and personal data protection. The proposed legislation would ban street begging and related activities in public areas and offer rehabilitation options. Reports from the public hearing noted repeat offenders could face fines up to N200,000 and potential imprisonment of up to two years if the Bill is enacted.

While other stakeholders backed the legislative action, citing incidents of beggars using dangerous weapons to obtain money, some urged lawmakers to balance enforcement with rehabilitation efforts and avoid criminalizing poverty. The NBA insisted the final law should maintain public safety while respecting fundamental rights and dignity.