Reps Probe Abuja Almajiri Rehabilitation Centre

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre and the Social Protection Programmes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the ‘Almajiri’ syndrome surged in the nation’s capital.

This was a sequel to adopting a motion moved by Hon Bashiru Dawodu (APC, Lagos) at the plenary on Wednesday.

Presenting the motion, the lawmaker noted that on October 22, 2024, the FCT Administration declared war on the street, begging to restore Abuja’s image and enhance security.

He also noted that the majority of beggars are individuals with disabilities, with other contributing factors including Almajiri, internally displaced persons, poverty, unemployment, and cultural factors.

Dawodu expressed concern that begging is a long-standing social issue in Nigeria. FCT Administrations have declared war on beggars since 2003 and used law enforcement to apprehend, prosecute, or repatriate them to their own states.

He was worried that the strategy had failed because it provided only a short-term solution, as the Beggars would soon return, probably in a changed location.

“Aware that the Federal Capital Territory has one semi-functional rehabilitation centre in Bwari, which is underfunded and provides suboptimal services.

“Cognizant that lack of adequate long-term solutions like rehabilitation, monthly survival allowance, Almajiris feeding and internally displaced persons resettlement will result in endemic begging.

“Also cognizant that if the lack of adequate funding and ineffective Social protection programmes persist, street begging will remain intractable,” he added.

The House, while adopting the motion, mandated its Committee on Disabilities to investigate the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre and

Social Protection Programmes of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and report for further legislative action within four weeks.