The Kano State Bureau of Statistics (KSBS) has revealed that no fewer than 6,573 individuals are currently engaged in street begging across the state. The figure was obtained from an official survey carried out in eight metropolitan local government areas as part of a detailed data-gathering and mapping initiative.
In a statement released on Monday, the Director-General of the bureau, Suraj Sulaiman, explained that the findings emerged from a comprehensive enumeration exercise designed to provide reliable data on the scale and structure of street begging in Kano.
According to the bureau’s report, young people make up the overwhelming majority of those involved in street begging. Children between the ages of 0 and 10 account for about seven per cent of the total, representing 457 individuals. However, the most significant proportion falls within the 11 to 20-year age bracket, which constitutes 56.4 per cent of the total number identified. This makes adolescents and young adults the most affected demographic group.
The bureau noted that the data highlights deep-rooted socio-economic challenges driving the trend. Poverty was identified as the primary factor fueling street begging in the state. In addition, high unemployment rates and limited access to quality education were cited as major contributors, particularly among vulnerable youths.
Sulaiman emphasized that any meaningful effort to reduce street begging must go beyond temporary or cosmetic solutions. Instead, he called for well-structured and targeted policies that directly address the underlying causes such as economic hardship, joblessness, and inadequate educational opportunities. He stressed that sustainable progress can only be achieved through coordinated social interventions backed by credible data.
The Director-General also warned organizations and individuals against conducting independent surveys within the state without obtaining proper authorization. He reiterated that all statistical activities must receive prior clearance from the KSBS to ensure accuracy, coordination, and compliance with state regulations.
While acknowledging that street begging remains a pressing social issue in Kano, Sulaiman underscored the importance of evidence-based policymaking. He noted that the administration of Abba Yusuf has already declared a state of emergency in the education sector and launched initiatives aimed at tackling the root causes of youth vulnerability. These measures, he said, are part of a broader strategy to reduce poverty and create better opportunities for children and young people across the state.
The bureau expressed hope that the newly released data will guide policymakers, development partners, and community leaders in designing effective interventions capable of addressing the growing challenge in a sustainable manner.
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