Abuja, Nigeria — The recent declaration by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike to wage a “war” on street beggars in Abuja has reignited a contentious debate surrounding the treatment of vulnerable populations in Nigeria’s capital. In a press conference held on Tuesday, Wike lamented that the city is becoming a “beggar city,” calling for immediate action to remove beggars from the streets in an effort to enhance the capital’s image and promote tourism.
This latest initiative echoes a long history of similar campaigns launched by past administrations. From former FCT Minister Muhammad Bello to Senator Bala Mohammed and Adamu Aliero, the cycle of promises to “clean up” the city has repeatedly failed to address the underlying issues driving people to beg. Previous efforts have included mass repatriations of beggars to their home states and strict regulations aimed at clearing the streets of visible poverty.
While Wike’s statements reflect a desire to improve the aesthetic appeal of Abuja for foreign visitors, critics argue that this approach oversimplifies a complex issue rooted in systemic poverty and socio-economic inequality. “It is important to understand that begging is not merely a nuisance but a symptom of deeper societal problems,” noted Dr. Adaobi Nwankwo, a sociologist at the University of Abuja. “Simply removing beggars from the streets does not solve the underlying issues that lead individuals to this desperate means of survival.”
Indeed, many beggars in Abuja are not just seeking alms but are also victims of circumstances such as terrorism, banditry, and economic instability. A significant number of them are displaced individuals seeking refuge from violence in their home states. The FCT’s own statistics reveal that over 40% of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions rather than temporary fixes.
The Minister’s choice of words, stating “we will take them out,” raises concerns about the potential for violence and human rights violations in the execution of this campaign. Past initiatives have seen law enforcement officials tasked with rounding up beggars, often leading to allegations of brutality and abuse.
Furthermore, critics question the motivations behind Wike’s declaration. As political leaders frequently seek support from the very populations they aim to displace, the relationship between beggars and policymakers remains fraught with tension. “The reality is that these individuals have a voice, and they are aware of their importance in the electoral process,” stated political analyst Dr. Chima Eze. “Ignoring their existence won’t erase their votes.”
As Abuja prepares for another round of anti-begging measures, experts emphasize the need for a more humane approach. Solutions such as job creation, social welfare programs, and targeted support for the most vulnerable could pave the way for sustainable change.
The question remains: can the government reconcile its ambitions for a cleaner, more attractive capital with the realities of its poorest citizens? Only time will tell if Minister Wike’s campaign will follow the well-trodden path of failure, or if it will finally prompt a shift toward lasting solutions for the homeless and beggars of Abuja.