The business of buying and selling of commodities on the highway especially in traffic is common to developing nations. It is surprising to know this act is increasing at an alarming rate in Nigeria across major cities with women and children more involved now than before. In a bid to survive, people engage in roadside hawking and just as for every business, there are gains and risk associated with trading on busy roads even when government at state level frowns at it, pronounce the act illegal and punishable under the law for both buyers and sellers e.g Lagos . There are diversified opinion amongst people on this as some see it as a better way of making a living compared to engaging in social vices and crimes while satisfying the urge of commuters. Another view is that it constitute nuisance of the roads, dehumizing and life endagering with little or no gains.

Series of failure on the part of parents, government and society is aiding traffic hawking as almost everyone at one point or the other had patronized business of this form including self. The business thrives when there is slow or stagnant vehicular movement. Commuters are compelled to patronize hawkers owing to stress, hunger, bad roads, traffic and circumstance. Bottle water, soft drinks, sausage rolls, plantain chips, musical CDs, sweets and chewing gums are some of the commodities often sold in the traffic. However, uncommon items like assorted small chops, puppies, mobile phones and wrist watches have joined the list.

Risk involve is quite high to mention few. It must be emphasized that quality is often traded for quality during business due to movement constrain. Also money shortages is often experienced on both part of buyers or sellers accidentally or deliberate. Another set back is accident of hit and run as hawkers are victims in the course of surviving. Some bad eggs among the hawkers seize the opportunity to steal from commuters. Arrest of perpetrators by law enforcement agents is rampant in recent time.

Government has a major role to play by making adequate provision for all by creating enabling environment for growth and sustainability as well as wealth redistribution and skill empowerment. Parents or guardians must take care of their wards, engage them directly or indirectly to venture on skilled or semi skilled businesses and avoid taking undue advantage of them. Road users have been advised to desist from patronizing hawkers but inside life...

The choice is yours to make