The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced a crackdown on beggars in Abuja, with enforcement agents set to start apprehending them beginning Monday.
Wike made this declaration on Tuesday during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of an access road from Ring 1 by N16 to the Judges’ quarters and roads within the Katampe District of Abuja.
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In his address, Wike expressed concern over the increasing presence of beggars in the capital city, warning that action would be taken to rid the streets of those engaged in begging. “Let me state clearly that we have declared war; Abuja is turning into a beggar city,” he said.
He further urged residents with family members involved in begging to take them off the streets before enforcement begins. “If you know you have a sister or brother who is a beggar, please, from next week, we’ll carry them. We’ll take them out. It is embarrassing that people will come in, and the first thing they’ll see are just beggars on the road,” Wike stated.
Wike also highlighted the potential security risks posed by some beggars, stating, “Sometimes, they may be criminals pretending to be beggars. We will not allow that. So, I’m giving you a public holiday from now until Sunday. From Monday, we will pack them out.”
The minister emphasized that this effort is part of his administration’s larger strategy to restore Abuja’s image and position the city as a world-class metropolis. “Let everybody know that we owe a duty to make sure Abuja competes favourably with cities of the world. We can replicate what we see overseas here, and as far as road infrastructure is concerned in Abuja, we are not going to compromise; we will use the best contractors,” he added.
Wike refuted claims that the administration was focusing solely on the city center, revealing that significant work was also being done in the area councils.
“A lot of people have said that we are concentrating on Abuja; that is not correct. As I speak to you, tomorrow, Thursday, we’ll be at the area councils. On Monday, we’ll be in Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Kwali. This December, we’re commissioning six roads that will total about 65 kilometers in the area councils,” he explained.
In addition to road infrastructure, Wike announced plans to rehabilitate 25 schools and improve security measures within the city.
“We are not concentrating on roads alone. We have not less than 25 schools to be rehabilitated because you can’t believe that in a city like Abuja, you’ll just go to the schools and you’ll ask yourself, ‘Is this Abuja at all?’ We have taken it upon ourselves that our schools will be like schools, and anybody can say they are good schools,” he stated.
With these initiatives, Wike is determined to ensure that both the city and rural areas in the FCT receive equal attention in terms of development and infrastructure improvements.
