Agbero is a term commonly used to refer to touts or street urchins who engage in various illegal activities such as extortion, violence, and harassment of commuters in public transportation hubs, markets, and motor parks. Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria, has been plagued by the menace of agbero for decades, and despite several efforts to curb their activities, they continue to thrive.

The activities of agberos in Lagos have become a significant threat to public safety, and it is high time that the government and other stakeholders took decisive steps to address this problem. We will exploring the menace of agberos in Lagos, the factors that contribute to their proliferation, and the possible solutions to this problem.

The Proliferation of Agberos in Lagos

The phenomenon of agberos in Lagos is not new. It is a product of the socioeconomic conditions that have prevailed in the city over the years. Lagos is a densely populated city with inadequate infrastructure, high unemployment, and poverty. These conditions have made it easy for young people to fall into the trap of agberos. Many of them have dropped out of school and have no means of livelihood. They see agberoism as a quick way to make money, and they often work in gangs.
The activities of agberos in Lagos are not limited to just motor parks or public transportation hubs. They have also infiltrated markets, bus stops, and other public places where they extort money from traders, commuters, and other passersby. They often use force and intimidation to carry out their activities, and they are known to be violent and dangerous.

The Impact of Agberoism on Lagosians

The activities of agberos have a significant impact on the daily lives of Lagosians. Commuters who use public transportation are often subjected to harassment and intimidation. Agberos extort money from them, and those who refuse to pay are sometimes beaten or rough-handled. Traders and market women are not spared either. They are often forced to pay illegal levies, and those who refuse are sometimes assaulted or their goods destroyed.

The impact of agberoism on the economy of Lagos cannot be overemphasized. It has led to the loss of millions of naira in revenue for the government, as many traders and transport operators are forced to pay illegal levies to the agberos. The activities of agberos have also scared away investors who are wary of the security situation in the city.

Possible Solutions to the Menace of Agberos in Lagos

The menace of agberos in Lagos requires urgent attention from the government and other stakeholders. The following are some of the possible solutions to this problem:

1. Enforcement of existing laws: There are existing laws that prohibit the activities of agberos in Lagos. However, these laws are not enforced. The government needs to ensure that the laws are enforced and that those who violate them are brought to justice.

2. Empowerment of young people: One of the reasons why many young people fall into the trap of agberoism is the lack of opportunities. The government and other stakeholders should create job opportunities and provide skills acquisition programs for young people.

3. Creation of alternative revenue sources: The government should create alternative revenue sources for transport operators and traders. This will reduce their dependence on the agberos and minimize their impact on the economy.

4. Public enlightenment: The government should embark on public enlightenment programs to sensitize the public on the dangers of agberoism. This will help to reduce their activities and create a safer environment for everyone.

Conclusion
The menace of agberos in Lagos is a significant threat to public safety and the economy of the city. The government and other stakeholders must take decisive steps to address this problem. The solutions to this problem require a multi-sectoral approach, and all hands must be on deck to ensure that Lagosians can go about their daily lives without fear of harassment or intimidation from agberos. It is time to put an end to this menace and create a safer and more prosperous Lagos for all.

Tinubu's Legacy

They are so disgustful, ever since I saw them harassing a hawker on the road, I never knew they pay for hawking with goods on their head in markets, bus stops etc...now we are in their era, ready to pay for just walking on the road, useless people

So, you don’t have agbero in your state? Your state NURTW are university graduates?

APC and thuggery cannot be separated