The Lagos State Government has warned celebrities, influencers, and residents to stop giving money to touts.

The government warned that such gestures while it may look like kindness, saying only worsens insecurity and environmental challenges.

This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post on X on Tuesday.

Wahab said, “Celebrities, influencers, and even well-meaning Lagosians must stop giving money to these miscreants.

“Each time you hand them cash, you are not solving their problem; you are encouraging them to stay on the streets, emboldening them to multiply, and reinforcing a cycle of lawlessness.

“What may seem like an act of kindness only makes enforcement more difficult and creates bigger security and environmental concerns for all of us.”

This is coming after a Lagos resident, Olukayode Ajenifuja made a post on X expressing displeasure over alleged harassment along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

Ajenifuja wrote; “The state needs to station the men of the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch to help and protect motorists from the harassment, extortion, assault, and intimidation by the many homeless boys and teenagers along that corridor.

“They are all a menace to us all.”

Ajenifuja’s alarm followed a video on the internet which showed moment touts ran after a convoy believed to be carrying Afrobeats star Burna Boy on the island.

Among the group were some content creators who joined in solicit money, with some filmed him for content.

However, Buena Boy’s security team would prevent the group from reaching him.

According to the commissioner, the state government is committed to addressing the menace.

He urged residents to support its efforts by refusing to encourage the miscreants by dashing them money.