The present declining state of the economy has left many Nigerians finding new ways of survival.
Economy&Lifestyle has discovered that this method has found its way into the lives of public road sweepers.
The high prices of goods and services, coupled with increasing bills in the face of a continuously diminishing purchasing power, have made these sweepers extend services to private individuals who own shops and marketplaces, just to make ends meet.
Mrs. Seun Osiyemi, a sweeper, who spoke to Economy&Lifestyle exclusively, said: "I can confess that I started this side-hustling of sweeping people's shops for a fee, before many of my colleagues. I do it after my routine sweeping.
"I charge between N2,000 to N4,000 a week for my services, depending on the number of days I sweep their shops.
"I t all started one day, when I overheard a lady complaining of needing a sweeper . So, I thought it was a good opportunity to take it up as a way of making extra money.
"I told her I can do the job ; and since then, I have been the one sweeping her shop.
Subsequently, she introduced me to her friends and when it became many that only me cannot cover, I involved my colleagues.
"The amount paid for sweeping of public roads is not enough to feed myself and my family.
"Many of my colleagues have resorted to begging for money from motorists and passersby, but I think that's demeaning. I couldn't bring myself to do ing such a thing. That was why I took up the sweeping of private individuals' shops and vicinity.
" Sometimes, when I am not available I engage my colleagues to work on my behalf, and we split the pay."
Mrs. Judith Lawrence, a business woman said: "Getting someone to sweep our shop environment used to be difficult before we realised these public road sweepers can do it.
"But now, we are heaving a sigh of relief because with a token, the job gets done by them. For us it's a win-win situation because while they get extra pay to add to whatever the government is paying them, we are free from Council and Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI officials from locking our shops and imposing huge fines.
"At some point , a long time ago, when we Bapproached them they rejected the offer and even said they didn't have such time.
"But, now, as the economy bites harder, they are the ones coming to look for the opportunity," she added.
Mr Chukwuebuka Nnamdi , a businessman, said: "If you go to the Island especially Victoria Garden City and Lekki, you will find these government road sweepers begging.
"Some beg for money for water or ask you to buy them water after the day's job.
"As at 2022, the rate was lesser but now, they follow you and go back after their effort fails.
"This tells you that the so-called income they earn is not enough to meet their needs.
"Many of them are breadwinners of their families.
"So, when one came to our shopping plaza pleading to sweep our environment, I categorically convinced others that she was the best hand we could employ.
"This is because I knew she had to get another source of income to survive."
Mr Jerry Nwokoma, an agent said: "The way these road sweepers beg is appalling.
"They don't even care about shame. That has even exited the lives of every Nigerian now because you need to do whatever it takes to survive even if people will talk.
"When people see you doing such, they will defend you blaming all on the economy.
"Many of these sweepers now sweep shops and business areas close to the roadside for tokens.
"Some even sweep market places especially where goods are sold on walkways.
"When you see them sweeping the area , you will not know they are paid by people selling there.
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"Instead you will think it is part of the portioned areas assigned to them by their supervisors to sweep.
"They earn up to N2,000 a day on such occasions.
"At least it will reduce their begging habit."
Recall that in 2020,the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). alleged that some contractors were involved in sharp practices of paying sweepers less than the amount approved by the state government.
Ibrahim Odumboni, the acting manager of the agency at the time, said: "The government approved N25,000 for each sweeper in the state, but the contractors shortchanged them and paid as low as N5,000".
In January 2024, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, approved an "end-of-the-year bonus" for street sweepers working for the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
In a statement, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the managing director and CEO of LAWMA, said the bonus is an appreciation from the government to the workers for their tireless commitment to making the state.
