Kano Bureau of Statistics Debunks Misleading Child Begging Claims, Demands Retraction from NGO
The Kano State Bureau of Statistics (KSBS) has refuted what it described as misleading claims published by the Global Improvement of Less Privileged Persons Initiative (GIOPPINI) regarding the prevalence of child begging in Kano State.
In an official statement signed by the Director General, the Bureau clarified that the figures currently circulating in the public domain do not align with findings from its verified survey conducted across eight metropolitan Local Government Areas of the state.
According to KSBS, a total of 6,573 street beggars were identified during its mapping exercise. Of this number, children aged 0–10 years accounted for only 7 percent, representing 457 individuals.
The Bureau stated that the data shows the majority of those involved in street begging are youths aged 11–20 years, who constitute 56.4 percent of the surveyed population.
This, it explained, indicates that the issue is largely driven by youth vulnerability linked to poverty unemployment and limited access to education rather than the exaggerated claims about child begging being promoted.
KSBS further emphasized that poverty remains the primary cause of street begging in the state while unemployment and low educational attainment also contribute significantly.
The statement noted that the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Abba Kabir Yusuf has already received the Bureau’s report and is taking concrete steps to address the problem.
These efforts include the declaration of a state of emergency in education and the introduction of targeted social and educational interventions aimed at tackling the root causes of street begging.
The Bureau also reminded organizations conducting statistical surveys within Kano State that prior clearance and official approval from KSBS is mandatory.
It therefore called on GIOPPINI to publicly provide evidence of any authorization granted for the survey upon which its publication was based.
Describing misinformation as harmful to public understanding and policy direction, KSBS urged the NGO to retract the publication, issue a public correction within 48 hours, and present proof of official approval for its survey activities.
It warned that failure to comply may result in legal action over the misrepresentation of official statistical information and unauthorized data collection.
KSBS reaffirmed its commitment to delivering credible, professional, and evidence-based statistics to support sound policymaking and informed public discourse in Kano State.
Signed:
Director General
Kano State Bureau of Statistics
