CurrentReport Blog Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has revealed that the legislative body is evaluating the enactment of a law aimed at regulating alms-begging across Lagos State.
Obasa disclosed this initiative during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the recent launch of the Ibile Muslim Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation, held in Lagos and sponsored by Lotus Bank.
The foundation, designed to empower underprivileged Muslims and alleviate poverty, promotes charitable activities like Zakat (almsgiving), Sadaqah (voluntary charity), and Waqf (endowment). Obasa emphasized the importance of the proposed legislation in aiding such initiatives and effectively managing aid distribution.
“The increasing presence of beggars in Lagos underscores the necessity for this regulation,” Obasa stated. He highlighted the law’s role in empowering both the government and charitable organizations to control the solicitation of aid. This would ensure that donations reach the needy without them resorting to street begging.
Obasa explained, “We are exploring how to handle these situations to prevent beggars from occupying our streets. Following the legislation, anyone found begging or facilitating begging, especially involving children, will face legal consequences.”
