Wike Scraps Street Housing, Vows Crackdown on Abuja Beggars

Abuja, Nigeria — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ruled out the possibility of constructing shelters for street beggars and displaced persons in Abuja, pledging instead a tougher stance on street loitering.

This position was made clear during the 2025 FCT Appropriation Bill defence at the National Assembly, where Wike appeared alongside Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, and senior officials of the FCT Administration.

The proposal arose from Senator Ali Ndume, who expressed concern about the growing population of street dwellers in the capital city. He suggested a model reminiscent of 1970s Kano, where the government established rehabilitation camps to house, feed, and train such individuals off the streets.

In response, Wike firmly rejected the idea, stating that Abuja’s status as the nation’s capital demands a distinct approach to urban management.

“This is not Kano or Rivers; Abuja is the seat of government and international diplomacy. Replicating regional models here is neither practical nor suitable,” he emphasized.

Wike further underscored the sensitive nature of Abuja’s security landscape, citing the presence of top government and military institutions such as the Presidency and the Defence Headquarters. According to him, establishing large settlements for street beggars could pose significant security risks and disrupt the capital’s image.

“We do not have sweeping control over security arrangements here. This is a highly strategic city. Our responsibility is to maintain order and uphold the dignity of the FCT,” Wike said.

The Minister reiterated his previous directive—issued on October 27, 2024—ordering street beggars and loiterers to vacate public spaces, warning that enforcement would no longer be lenient.

While inaugurating the construction of a road leading to the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, he described the influx of street beggars as “deeply troubling,” noting that their presence poses urban security and social challenges.

“We are committed to sanitising the FCT. Those who remain on the streets will face enforcement actions without exception,” Wike warned.

By Taiwo Olatinwo | May 24,2025