Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has ordered street beggars in Abuja to vacate the area or face government action.
He announced the deadline on Tuesday, October 22, while inaugurating an access road from Ring Road 1 to the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, Abuja.
Wike specified that beggars must leave the capital by Sunday or face strict measures from the administration, adding that their presence throughout the city is an embarrassment to both the government and the nation.
He called on their families and relatives to remove them from the streets before the FCT Administration enforces the directive next week.
“We’re focusing on infrastructure development in Abuja, with security as a priority. We cannot have beggars everywhere; some are involved in criminal activities or act as informants, creating an embarrassment for the territory, especially for visitors.
“We ask their families and relatives to remove them from the streets—they have until Sunday to do so.
“The government is enhancing infrastructure and addressing security concerns; we can’t allow individuals to pose a security risk. This grace period until Sunday is their last chance,” he said.