With Nigeria’s economic challenges deepening, a growing number of Nigerians have turned to the streets, discovering that begging can be more lucrative than formal jobs.
Known as “corporate beggars,” these individuals are often well-dressed and operate strategically in high-traffic areas such as markets, shopping centers, and hospitals, appealing to passersby with compelling stories of hardship.
One such beggar, Mrs. Hauwa Baba, a former employee of a private firm, shared her story. “I had no choice but to start begging to feed my sick husband and six children after I lost my job,” she explained, revealing that her family now eats only once every two days.
Hauwa, like others in her situation, said she would gladly work if there were opportunities, but the economic climate has left her with few options.
Another beggar, Mr. Habib Ibrahim, has been on the streets for nearly a decade, finding that his earnings could reach as high as ₦200,000 per month in better times, though now he makes closer to ₦100,000.
With nine children to support, Ibrahim has developed a routine, strategically selecting locations and timing his appearances to maximize his earnings.
“I know when government workers receive their salaries, so that’s when I go to offices,” he explained. By dressing neatly and sharing a “sad tale,” he finds people more likely to empathize and offer help.
For some, begging has become a family affair. Ibrahim’s children join him on weekends to cover more ground, an arrangement that he says provides better income than a low-paying job.
For former factory worker Uche Ray, recent economic downturns have forced him to beg.
“I didn’t choose this; the economy turned me into it,” he admitted, expressing a readiness to return to work if he could find a stable job.
While some Nigerians see these beggars as genuine, others feel misled by what they consider fabricated stories.
Businessman, Emeka Mark noted that he frequently encounters beggars with seemingly scripted tales, often requesting money for food, transportation, or medical bills. Hajiya Ummi Umar recounted being deceived by a woman who repeated her story days later, realizing she had been conned.
Despite skepticism, civil servant Hajiya Hauwa Abdulaziz encourages compassion, stating, “Helping beggars is a virtue, and givers never lack. Do it for the sake of God.”
As Nigeria’s economic conditions continue to press down on livelihoods, begging has, for many, become a harsh yet necessary means of survival.
