The Lagos State Government has cautioned celebrities, influencers, and residents to stop giving money to street miscreants, saying such actions fuel insecurity and environmental problems in the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning on Tuesday in a post on X.
“Celebrities, influencers, and even well-meaning Lagosians must stop giving money to these miscreants,” Wahab wrote. “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.”
He explained that what many people see as kindness makes law enforcement more difficult and worsens the situation.
“What may seem like an act of kindness only makes enforcement more difficult and creates bigger security and environmental concerns for all of us,” he added.
The warning came after a resident, Olukayode Ajenifuja, raised an alarm on X over harassment along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
“The state needs to station the men of the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch to help and protect motorists from the harassment, extortion, assault, and intimidation by the many homeless boys and teenagers along that corridor,” Ajenifuja wrote. “They are all a menace to us all.”
The warning also follows a viral video showing touts and luxury car content creators chasing a convoy believed to be carrying Afrobeats star Burna Boy on the island. The group tried to solicit money while recording the scene but was stopped by the musician’s security team.
Wahab assured residents that the government is committed to tackling the issue but stressed that residents must cooperate by refusing to encourage the miscreants.
