Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has launched a crackdown on street beggars in Abuja, citing security concerns and the city’s embarrassing reputation.
Wike declared that the government can no longer tolerate the influx of beggars, some of whom may be disguising themselves as criminals, making security efforts challenging.
He issued an ultimatum, giving them until Sunday night to vacate the city or face a security clampdown.
Wike’s declaration came during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of an access road and internal roads within Judges Quarters in Katampe District.
He emphasized that providing security is crucial, alongside infrastructure development, to ensure residents can sleep safely.
The 2.7-kilometer road project will also include power, water supply, and stormwater drainage facilities, scheduled for completion by May next year.
The Minister also addressed concerns about focusing solely on Abuja’s city center, highlighting plans to commission six roads totaling 65 kilometers in Area Councils by December.
Wike stressed the importance of balancing development between the city and rural areas, ensuring Abuja competes favorably with other global cities.
He said;
“A lot of people have said that we are concentrating on Abuja centre. That is not correct. As I speak to you, on Thursday, we will be at the Area Councils. We will be in Gwagwalada, we will be in Kwali.
“This December, we are commissioning six roads that will total about 65 kilometres in the Area Councils. So, anybody who is saying that we are concentrating in the city is not saying the truth. The truth is that the attention we give to the city is also the attention we give to the Area Councils.
“But of course you know, it is the city that tells you how the place will be. If foreigners come to the city and the city does not look good, it gives them the wrong impression. If the city does not look good, you can imagine what will happen in the rural areas.
“Let everybody know that we owe a duty to make sure Abuja competes favourably with other cities of the world.”
Flagging off the project, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas said the development of infrastructure in the FCT is not only an economic necessity but also a reflection of national aspirations.
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas noted that Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit requires urgent attention, with estimates suggesting a $3 trillion investment over 30 years to achieve sustained economic growth.
He said:
“The road network, power supply, housing, healthcare, and education sectors are some of the areas in urgent need of attention.
“Here in Abuja, the infrastructure deficit is more glaring as the city’s population continues to grow at an annual rate of 5%.
“This puts pressure on existing facilities and highlights the need for more access roads, housing, and essential services to cater to the needs of residents.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there have been commendable initiatives aimed at addressing this infrastructure deficit.”
