In a post shared on X by Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, the state government issued a direct appeal to social media influencers and public figures to cease financially encouraging street urchins across Lagos metropolis.

The statement followed a viral online documentary showing several high-profile personalities giving monetary gifts to various local street boys. Government officials emphasized that such cash handouts undermine ongoing state enforcement efforts designed to clear public spaces.

While acknowledging the state’s primary role in maintaining public safety, authorities stressed that continuous community cooperation remains crucial. Influencers were cautioned that financial rewards inadvertently turn street disturbance into a lucrative endeavor.

Validating the development, Daily Post Nigeria reported that the state environment ministry expressed disappointment over recurring street disruptions, with Commissioner Wahab stating, “the continued financial support and patronage they receive from some influencers, celebrities, and members of the public… inadvertently encourage them to return to the streets”. Concurrently, Vanguard Newspaper highlighted the government’s renewed enforcement strategy, quoting an official ministry release that urged “everyone to desist from activities that may inadvertently encourage lawlessness, insecurity, street begging, and environmental nuisance on our roads”.

This warning signals an impending legal and social crackdown on public figures who leverage street urchin interactions for viral content creation. If content creators fail to heed the warning, law enforcement agencies may begin holding influencers liable as public nuisance facilitators during street clearing drives.

Source: Tokunbo Wahab on X — https://x.com/tokunbo_wahab, August 10, 2026

Photo Credit: Official Lagos State Website | The best pla