Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced plans to issue an executive order banning school-age children from being seen on the streets or roaming during official school hours.
The measure aims to enforce compulsory education, reduce out-of-school children, and curb street hawking and begging by minors.
Speaking on steps to improve education access, the governor declared: “No child should be seen outside between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. unless there is a very good reason that child is not in school.”
He emphasized that the upcoming executive order would strengthen existing laws, making parents, communities, and relevant institutions accountable for ensuring regular school attendance.
The policy targets children engaged in street activities during school time, including hawking, begging, or other forms of child labor. It builds on prior Lagos legislation such as the 2003 Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law (which already bans street hawking with fines or jail terms) and the Child’s Rights Law prohibiting exploitative child work.
The announcement coincides with the launch of a $25 million outcomes-based education fund to support enrollment, retention, and learning for vulnerable children, including rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
Enforcement will likely involve collaboration among security agencies, education officials, and social welfare services.
Specific penalties and an exact rollout date were not detailed in the initial statement, but the governor stressed combining strict enforcement with supportive interventions.
The proposal addresses persistent concerns over child street trading and exploitation in Lagos, despite earlier crackdowns by agencies like KAI.
Advocates note that lasting success will require addressing root causes such as poverty and limited access to quality schooling alongside penalties.
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