10 Types of Beggars You’ll Find on Lagos Streets

If you live in Lagos, you already know that the streets are a world of their own. From the endless traffic to hawkers and danfo drivers, Lagos is a city that never sleeps. But one group you can’t escape are beggars. Whether at bus stops, in traffic, or inside the market, beggars in Lagos have mastered the art of survival. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Here are 10 types of beggars you’ll definitely come across on Lagos streets.

1. The Traffic Light Beggar

These ones are stationed at major traffic intersections. The moment the red light shows, they appear from nowhere, knocking on your car window with puppy eyes. When the light turns green — they vanish like ghosts.

2. The “Injured Arm/Leg” Beggar

Always with a bandaged hand, crutches, or plaster on their leg. Whether the injury is real or not, they use it as their selling point for pity. Some Lagosians even joke that the bandage has “expired” because it never heals.

3. The Religious Beggar

Armed with Bible verses or Quranic recitations, they tell you, “Brother, sow a seed, and God will bless you.” Some even pray loudly for everyone in the danfo until someone drops small change.

4. The Mother-and-Child Beggar

This is a common sight. A woman carrying a baby (sometimes sleeping, sometimes suspiciously too quiet) will follow you around with a heartbreaking story. Lagosians often debate whether the baby is hers or “borrowed.”

5. The Singing Beggar

They turn the bus into a mini concert. Armed with a local instrument or just their voice, they sing sorrowful songs about their condition, hoping someone will dash them money after the performance.

6. The Market-Side Beggar

You’ll find them sitting close to big markets like Balogun, Oshodi, or Mile 12. They usually greet every passerby with, “Aunty, anything for your boy?” before extending a bowl or plate.

7. The “Foreign Accent” Beggar

Some Lagos beggars pretend to be stranded foreigners. They approach you saying, “Please sir, I just came from Ghana/South Africa and I’ve lost my wallet.” They act polished but still want your transport fare.

8. The Persistent Beggar

Unlike others, these ones won’t take “no” for an answer. You say you don’t have money, they’ll follow you, tapping your arm and repeating, “Abeg, help me, just N50.”

9. The Fake Disability Beggar

Some Lagosians have caught beggars who pretend to be blind or crippled — only to see them walking perfectly at the end of the day. They’re the true Nollywood actors of the streets.

10. The ‘Luxury Beggar’

This one shocks Lagosians. They beg for money while wearing designer sneakers or making phone calls on a better smartphone than yours. Lagos residents always wonder: “Who is truly the beggar here?”

Conclusion

Beggars in Lagos have different tactics, but they all remind us of the daily struggles many Nigerians face. Whether you give or ignore, one thing is sure: you can’t escape beggars on Lagos streets.

So, the next time you’re in traffic or strolling through a market, look around — you’ll probably spot at least one of these 10 types.