The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has given street beggars in Abuja five days to vacate the city.
The ultimatum, announced on Tuesday, during the launch of a new access road project in Katampe District, aims to address what Wike described as a national embarrassment.
Speaking at the ceremony for the construction of a road connecting Ring Road 1 to the Judges’ Quarters, Wike emphasized the urgency of removing beggars from the capital’s streets.
He declared that President Bola Tinubu’s government would take decisive action against those who remain after the Sunday deadline.
“Allowing beggars in every nook and cranny of the territory is an embarrassment to the government and the country,” Wike said, urging families to take responsibility for their relatives who rely on street begging.
He added that the FCT Administration is preparing to enforce the new directive starting next week.
It said, “Yes, we are committed to improving infrastructure in Abuja, and security is a key focus. We cannot permit the presence of beggars throughout the area, as some may be involved in criminal activities or act as informants, which is particularly embarrassing for our territory and for visitors.
“We urge their families and relatives to assist in taking them off the streets. They have until Sunday to vacate the area.
“The government is working on enhancing infrastructure and tackling insecurity; we cannot allow individuals to pose a security threat. The grace period for this is from now until Sunday,” he stated.