Beggars in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, may need to start looking for other means of survival as Minister Nyesom Wike has vowed to end street begging in the city.
The Minister decried the high influx of beggars in the FCT and the embarrassment it brings to the city.
The former Rivers State Governor spoke during the flag-off of the construction of an access road from Ring Road 1 by N16 to the Judges Quarters and internal roads within Judges Quarters in Katampe District on Tuesday, October 22.
Wike, who declared war against insecurity, noted that many beggars in Abuja are not genuine but criminals.
He urged Nigerians to take their relatives off the streets, as such behavior will no longer be tolerated from Monday.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to not just providing infrastructure in the FCT but also ensuring good security for residents and visitors.
He said, “In terms of security, let me say it clearly now. We have declared war. Abuja is returning to a city full of beggars. I mean, if you know you have a sister, or you have a brother who is a beggar on the roads, from next week, we will remove them. We will take them out of the city. It is embarrassing that the first thing people see when they come in are just beggars on the roads. Sometimes, they may not even be beggars. They may be criminals pretending to be beggars. We will not allow that.
“So, I am giving a public order; from now till Sunday is the grace period. From Monday, we will remove them. We want to have a city that we can truly call a city. It is very embarrassing. We are fighting insecurity, and people are carrying plates as if they are beggars; maybe they are informants.
“So please, understand that it is not only infrastructure we are providing. We want to give you good security so you can sleep well with both eyes closed.”
Wike also mentioned the role of the National Assembly in the fight against insecurity in Abuja.
According to him, swift passage of the budget will enable ministers to effectively do their jobs, which is the implementation of the budget.
“I know that some of you may not be happy. Sometimes, we don’t need to make you happy. What is important is that we must do our work. If you are not happy, there is nothing we can do. The security and well-being of the people are key. That is why I have told the National Assembly members that we will do everything required to ensure people know that the National Assembly is doing all it can to support. Their role is to pass the budget on time. Ours is to implement it. I know that by 2025, they will continue to give their full support, because I know they will always stand to approve our budget.”
Wike disclosed that the road project will be ready by May next year, adding that his administration will continue to impact other sectors and will include the Area Councils in the developments.
