Summary: Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to celebrities, influencers, and everyday Nigerians to stop glamorising and patronising agberos. Here’s why this matters for the future of Lagos.
If you have been on Nigerian social media lately, you have probably seen videos of popular celebrities and influencers throwing money at agberos, laughing it up with street touts, or even featuring them in content for clout. Well, the Lagos State Government has seen enough — and they are not finding it funny at all.
The Lagos State Commissioner has issued a firm warning to celebrities, social media influencers, and members of the general public to stop encouraging the activities of agberos — those notorious street urchins whose presence has long been a thorn in the side of Lagos’ development.
Why Lagos Government Is Putting Its Foot Down
For those who may not fully appreciate the weight of this warning, agberos are not just harmless street characters who add colour to Lagos life. These touts have been linked to harassment, extortion, and a general atmosphere of lawlessness across markets, motor parks, and public spaces in the state.
When celebrities — people with millions of followers who young Nigerians look up to — are seen celebrating or patronising these individuals, it sends a dangerous message: that the agbero lifestyle is something to admire, or worse, aspire to.
The government’s concern is valid. In a city of over 20 million people already grappling with infrastructure challenges, traffic chaos, and security concerns, the last thing Lagos needs is for its most influential voices to be pouring fuel on the fire.
The Role of Celebrities and Influencers
Let us be real — in Nigeria, celebrity culture is powerful. What Davido does today, a thousand young boys in Mushin and Agege might try to replicate tomorrow. When an influencer hypes up an agbero on Instagram or TikTok, it normalises their behaviour and emboldens others.
The Lagos government understands this reality, which is why this warning is targeted specifically at those with large platforms. With great followership comes great responsibility — as the saying should go in the social media age.
What This Means for Everyday Lagosians
This is not just a celebrity problem. Every time an ordinary person settles an agbero to avoid trouble, tips them unnecessarily, or looks the other way when they harass someone, the cycle continues.
The government’s message is clear: patronising agberos — in any form — is a problem we all contribute to, and one we must all work together to stop.
The Bigger Picture
Lagos has ambitions. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has repeatedly spoken about transforming Lagos into a truly world-class city — a megacity that can hold its own alongside the likes of Nairobi, Johannesburg, and even Dubai. That dream cannot coexist with a culture that celebrates street touts and glorifies lawlessness.
For Lagos to grow, its people — especially those with influence — must champion order, safety, and dignity in public spaces.
So the next time you are tempted to post that “funny” agbero video or throw a few notes at a tout for the ‘gram, remember: you might just be doing Lagos more harm than good.
The government is watching. More importantly, so is the next generation.
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