Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has rejected a proposal to build houses for displaced persons and beggars roaming the streets of Abuja.
He declared that such an approach was unsuitable for the nation’s capital.
Wike made the declaration during the 2025 FCT Appropriation Bill defence session at the National Assembly, where he appeared alongside the Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, and other top officials.
The discussion arose when Senator Ali Ndume raised concerns over the rising number of displaced persons and beggars in Abuja, suggesting that the FCT Administration adopt a strategy similar to Kano State’s approach in the 1970s.
“The indigenes or the displaced persons roaming in Abuja, it is not enough to just drive them away or arrest them. What you need to do is what the Kano government did back in the 1970s. That is, picking them up, providing a camp where you can feed and train them, so they will be off the street,” he said.
However, Wike swiftly dismissed the suggestion, insisting that Abuja’s status as the capital city requires a different strategy.
“This is the Federal Capital Territory. The way things are done in Kano, Rivers, Sokoto, or Ondo will not be the same as what happens in the FCT.
“These people you are talking about are not indigenes. In a city like this, where all the international bodies reside, it will be difficult for us to follow that kind of pattern,” he said.
Wike also highlighted the unique security challenges of Abuja, emphasising that the presence of high-ranking government officials and military installations makes large-scale housing for beggars impractical.
“On security, understand that this is where the President resides, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Defence Headquarters are here. We do not have the autonomy to take over the entire security architecture of the FCT,” he added.
The minister issued a stern warning to roadside beggars, urging them to vacate the streets or face arrest.
He referenced his earlier October 27, 2024, ultimatum, where he ordered all beggars and loiterers to leave Abuja’s roadsides, citing urban security risks.
While flagging off the construction of an access road to the newly commissioned Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, Wike expressed concern over the growing number of people loitering on Abuja’s streets, describing the situation as alarming.
“We cannot allow our capital to be overrun by beggars and displaced persons. Enforcement will be strict, and those who refuse to leave will face the consequences,” he warned.
