Poor Economy Forces Youths to Resort to Street Begging for Survival

The adage “Youths are the leaders of tomorrow” is increasingly at risk as Nigeria’s struggling economy pushes many young people into desperate circumstances. The inability of many parents to provide basic necessities has left their children, including undergraduates, in a precarious situation, forcing them to resort to street begging.

Contrary to initial assumptions, these youths are not almajiris (traditional Islamic students who often beg for alms). According to Economy & Lifestyle findings, many of these young individuals, both male and female, are either employed or unemployed, with the majority aged 17 and above.

Jeremiah Osarieme, a 19-year-old factory worker, shared his plight: “I earn N15,000 monthly, but it barely covers my feeding and transport expenses. I live with my aunt, who is a hairdresser. Because the money isn’t enough and often delayed, I started begging at the bus stop to survive. After work, I ask passengers to help pay my fare home. Many of my friends are in the same situation. I can’t even save to further my education because the money isn’t enough for necessities, let alone school.”

The sight of young people begging has become common at bus stops, eateries, and local food joints, where they plead with customers to buy them food or give them money. Bayo Fagbemi, a 21-year-old, recounts how he was kicked out of his guardian’s house for being unable to contribute financially: “I’ve searched everywhere for a job since finishing secondary school, but nothing has come up. Even for jobs like cleaning, they say you need experience. I worked at a pure water company for three months, but when production costs soared, they only kept two out of the five of us. Now, I come here to beg so I can eat. At least begging fills your stomach—you have to swallow your pride to survive in this country.”

In traffic jams, another group of youths chase after cars, hoping for spare change. Mr. Gideon Okpana, a trader, observed that many of these youths are homeless, spending their nights in front of traders’ shelters. “The state of the economy has driven our youths to the streets. Without connections, parents can’t secure a future for their children. These youths are helpless and have turned to begging as people lose jobs and struggle to survive. Some of them are school dropouts doing menial jobs, but even those opportunities are drying up. Now, they sleep on the streets and beg car owners in traffic or in residential areas.”

Mrs. Favour Mobonuola, a fish seller, lamented, “It’s heartbreaking what Nigeria’s economy has done to our youths.”