The reality of begging in public places is even more complex than you might think. According to an investigation by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), many beggars consider this activity their means of livelihood and often earn more than some workers.
When contacted by NAN, a woman beggar at Wuse Market anonymously said begging was their only way of earning money. She explained that she has been doing this business for over 12 years in different places in Abuja. She said the money she earned was used to feed and educate her nine children.
Before the fuel subsidy was removed, she managed to earn between 150,000 and 200,000 Naira per month (around 300 to 400 euros). But due to the current economic crisis, her income has decreased and she now only earns between 90,000 and 100,000 Naira per month (around 180 to 200 euros).
She explains that begging earns her more money than looking for a job and that she knows the times when employees receive their salaries so they go to government offices to beg.
Another interviewee, Isa Isa, a disabled beggar, claims to have been born into a large family with 108 members. He explains that his father had four wives and that when he divorced, he remarried immediately. Isa started begging at a young age and managed to save enough money to buy a wheelchair, which made it easier for her. He is now married and has eight children. He claims to earn more than 300,000 Naira per month (around 600 euros) through begging.
Nuhu Bello, another 12-year-old beggar, says he begs to provide for his family. His father died and his mother cannot beg. He feels obliged to do this to feed his mother and four brothers and sisters.
Emmanuel Eze explains that begging allows him to meet his needs and that he earns up to 5,000 Naira (around 10 euros) per day. He also clarifies that he did not choose to beg, but that the economic situation pushed him to do so after losing his job in a factory.
However, it is important to note that not all beggars are sincere in their approach. Some people take advantage of the sympathy of caring people by inventing stories to encourage them to give them money. They claim to have personal or family problems such as the inability to pay medical bills, college tuition or rent. Others claim to be stranded and have no money to continue their journey.
However, it is increasingly difficult to distinguish legitimate requests from beggars who tell stories to elicit pity. Some well-dressed beggars specifically target people who appear to have high financial status, using sophisticated schemes to extract money.
Beyond this difficult reality, there are also people who aspire to help these beggars, convinced that giving is an act of generosity and solidarity. But it is essential to use your best judgment and verify the veracity of stories before making a decision.
This article highlights the complexity of begging, showing that some beggars consider this activity their primary means of livelihood. However, it also raises the question of the sincerity of requests and the limits of compassion towards beggars.