A Call for Compassion: Sanusi Oluwatosin Urges Lagos State Government to Provide Help, Not Handcuffs, for the Homeless

In a heartfelt appeal rooted in compassion and civic responsibility, Sanusi Oluwatosin is calling on the Lagos State Government, particularly the Ministry of Environment, to rethink its approach toward homeless individuals across the state. Rather than relying on arrests and forced removals, Oluwatosin advocates for meaningful rehabilitation efforts that restore dignity and offer genuine support to one of the most vulnerable populations in our society.

The growing visibility of homelessness on the streets of Lagos from under the bridges has triggered concern and in some quarters, resentment. In response, the government’s method of clearing the streets often involves arresting and detaining those without shelter. But Oluwatosin argues that criminalizing homelessness only pushes suffering out of sight it doesn’t solve the underlying problem.

“No one chooses to sleep under a bridge or by the roadside if they have better means of living,” Oluwatosin states “The circumstances that lead to homelessness are complex ranging from job loss, family breakdowns, mental health challenges, to rural-urban migration without adequate support systems. These people need help, not humiliation.”

Oluwatosin’s message to the Lagos State Ministry of Environment is to implement a holistic and humane solution. He urges the state government to establish well managed shelter homes where homeless individuals can find temporary relief, healthcare, counseling, and pathways to reintegration. For non-indigenes, he proposes the provision of transportation support back to their states of origin, in partnership with other state governments to ensure a dignified return and access to local resources.

This call is not just about shelter, it’s about restoring hope and human dignity. “We must remember that these are not just statistics or nuisances to be swept away; they are human beings, often with untold stories of hardship, deserving of compassion and opportunity,” Oluwatosin emphasizes.

He also encourages collaboration between the government and NGOs, faith-based organizations, and private citizens who have the capacity to support transitional programs. By working together, Lagos can be a city that not only drives development but demonstrates deep empathy for all its residents.

As Nigeria’s most populous and economically vibrant state, Lagos has both the responsibility and the resources to lead by example. Oluwatosin’s call is a reminder that true progress is not just measured by infrastructure and investment but also by how a society treats its most vulnerable.