Lagos – Hawkers on Lagos streets have alleged that they were being extorted by people who claim to be council officials and have appealed to the state government for help.

Some of the street traders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that the activities of these officials encouraged hawking, despite its prohibition by government.

They said some law enforcement agencies collect N100 from each hawker daily to allow them to carry on the illegal business.

“People claiming to be officials of KAI (Kick Against Indiscipline) compel us to pay N100 at every bus-stop without issuing us any ticket or receipt.

“Even those who arrest us are not as wicked as these people who extort money from us,” said 23-year-old James Elijah.

Elijah, who hawks soft drinks at Ojota, alleged that the officials in the past demanded N100 daily from them but now come twice daily to collect N200 to allow them hawk their wares.

Another hawker, Mr Emmanuel Okafor urged the state government to legalise hawking, saying it will help to reduce unemployment in the society.

“I will like government to stop these KAI officials and regulate our business,” Okafor who hawks clothes near Oyingbo market said.

A sachet water hawker, Miss Tinuke Ajani said that most of the time the officials forced her to pay the money by seizing her wares.

A food vendor at mile 12 Roundabout, Mrs Halimat Ibrahim said that many people would have nothing to do, or be left with any means of livelihood if the trend was allowed to continue.

“Hawking offers many people a living. If the government prohibits it or allows it to be crippled by extortion, then there will be plenty problems,” she said.
(NAN)