By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement actions against street begging, destitution, cart pushers and buyers of condemned goods, while also reinforcing the existing ban on commercial motorcycle (Okada) operations as part of its environmental and security management strategy.
The exercise, which took place on June 10, 2026, was overseen by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, led by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, under the supervision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Authorities said affected individuals were relocated from Lagos streets to their respective states of origin, though the state government has not released official figures on the number of persons involved.
The enforcement has generated public debate, with some commentators praising the move as a step toward restoring order and addressing urban safety concerns. Public affairs commentator Dr. Zainab Suleiman Buhari described the operation as a “bold step,” urging other state governments to adopt similar approaches while emphasizing that interventions should remain humane and legally guided.
She also called for broader reforms in northern Nigeria, including improved access to education, skills development programmes, and economic empowerment initiatives to reduce street begging and child vulnerability. However, she stressed that poverty should be addressed through policy reforms rather than stigma.The Lagos State Government maintains that the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to improve public sanitation, safety and compliance with existing regulations.
