By Abigail Philip David
The House of Representatives on Wednesday decided to investigate the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari Area Council as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration’s Social Protection Programmes.
This decision came after the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Investigate the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre and Social Protection Programmes of the FCT,” presented by Mr. Bashiru Dawodu, the representative for Oshodi-Isolo 1 Federal Constituency in Lagos State.
Dawodu, who sponsored the motion, highlighted that on October 22, 2024, the FCT administration launched an initiative to combat street begging, aiming to improve Abuja’s image and enhance security. He pointed out that most beggars are individuals with disabilities, and that factors such as the Almajiri system, internally displaced persons (IDPs), poverty, unemployment, and cultural practices contribute to the issue.
He noted that street begging has been a persistent social problem in Nigeria and explained that previous FCT administrations since 2003 have attempted to curb the practice by deploying law enforcement to arrest, prosecute, or repatriate beggars. However, Dawodu criticized these measures, arguing that they only offer temporary solutions, as beggars often return to the streets shortly after being displaced.
The lawmaker also pointed out that the FCT has a semi-functional rehabilitation centre in Bwari that is underfunded and provides inadequate services. He emphasized that without effective long-term solutions—such as rehabilitation, survival allowances for the vulnerable, feeding for Almajiris, and resettlement for IDPs—street begging would persist as a chronic issue.
In response to the motion, the House resolved to task its Committee on Disabilities to investigate the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre and the FCT’s social protection programmes, with a report due within four weeks for further legislative action.
