In a bid to tackle insecurity in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Minister Nyesom Wike has said beggars will be removed from the streets of Abuja starting next week.
Wike made the declaration on Tuesday 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 the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District.
Wike described the situation as embarrassing, stating that the appearance of beggars on the streets reflects poorly on the city and poses a security risk.
He said; “In terms of security, let me say it clearly now. We have declared war. Abuja is turning into a beggars’ city. I mean, if you know you have a sister, you have a brother who is a beggar on the roads, from next week, we will carry them.
“We will take them out of the city. I mean, it is embarrassing that people who come in, the first thing they see are just beggars on the road. Sometimes too, they may not 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 pack them out. Let us know that we have a city that we can call a city. It is very embarrassing. We are fighting insecurity, and people will carry plates as if they are, maybe they will be informants.
“So please, have it at the back of your mind that it is not only infrastructure that we are providing. We want to give you good security so you can sleep well with your two eyes closed.
“I know that some of you may not be happy. Sometimes we don’t need to make you happy. Sometimes we don’t need to. 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 and that is why I have told the National Assembly members that for us, we will do everything that is required to continue to make sure that people will know that the National Assembly is doing all they can do to support.”
“Their role is to pass the budget on time. Ours is to implement. And I know that by 2025, they will also give all their support, because I know they will always stand to approve our budget”.
Wike said that in addition to infrastructure, his responsibilities include security. He mentioned that at least 25 schools in Abuja will be renovated to enhance the quality of education.
Speaking on infrastructural development, the minister mentioned that the FCT Administration plans to offer engineering infrastructure, including power and water supply, as well as a stormwater drainage system.
Wike stated that the project will be prepared for commissioning by May 2025, and that his administration will continue to make an impact on other sectors while also involving the Area Councils.
“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”, he added.