[By Abigail Philip David]
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced a crackdown on street begging in Abuja, with enforcement agents set to begin arresting beggars from Monday. Wike made this declaration during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of an access road from Ring 1 to Judges’ Quarters in the Katampe District of Abuja on Tuesday.
He expressed concern over the rising number of beggars in the capital, saying, “Abuja is turning into a beggar city. If you have a relative who is a beggar, I urge you to take them off the streets by Sunday. Starting Monday, we will remove them. It is embarrassing for visitors to see beggars as the first sight upon entering the city.”
Wike also raised concerns about the security risks posed by some beggars, stating, “Some of these individuals may be criminals posing as beggars. We will not tolerate that.”
The minister emphasized that this move is part of a broader effort to restore Abuja’s image and ensure it competes with other major cities globally. He added, “We are committed to making Abuja a city that can hold its own internationally. In terms of road infrastructure, we will use the best contractors and make no compromises.”
Addressing critics who claimed that his administration focuses solely on the city center, Wike clarified that equal attention is being given to the rural areas. “Tomorrow, we will be at the area councils. On Monday, we’ll visit Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Kwali. By December, we’ll commission six roads totaling 65 kilometers in the area councils,” he said.
Wike further highlighted the administration’s plans to rehabilitate 25 schools and improve security in the FCT, stating, “We are not just focusing on roads. Our schools will be upgraded to standards befitting a capital city, and we are committed to ensuring that all facilities reflect the stature of Abuja.”
The minister’s crackdown on begging, combined with his plans for infrastructure and education reform, underscores his determination to reshape the FCT into a model capital.
