In a move to ensure the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) the minister, Nyesom Wike has given a six day ultimatum for beggars on major roads in the FCT to leave the streets, or be forcefully carried out of the city.
Wike gave the warning yesterday during the flag-off ceremony of the construction of Access Road from Ring Road 1 by N16 to Judges Quarters, Construction of Internal Roads within Judges Quarters in Katampe.
He expressed disappointment that Abuja is returning to beggar’s city, calling on anyone who has relatives that are beggars on the road to take them off the road, because from next week, they will carry them out.
“We will take them out. I mean, it is embarrassing that people who come in, the first thing they see are just beggars on the road.
“Sometimes too, they may not be beggars. They may be criminals pretending to be beggars. We will not allow that. So, I am giving a public order from now till Sunday, From Monday, we will pack them out.
“Let us know that we have a city that we can call a city. It is very embarrassing. We are fighting insecurity, and people will carry plates begging, and maybe they will be informants,” he said.
Wike said that the administration decided to ride the beggars off the streets, because they want to ensure that residents sleep well with their two eyes closed.
The minister also said that six roads totaling 65 kilometers within the six area councils of Abuja would be commissioned in December 2024 to boost development in the rural areas.
“The truth is that the attention we give to the city is also the attention we give to the area councils. But of course you know, it is the city that tells you how the place will be.
“If foreigners come to the city and the city does not look good, it is giving them pressure. But, if the city does not look good, you can imagine what will happen in the rural areas.
“So let everybody know that we owe a duty to make sure Abuja competes favorably with other cities of the world.
When we travel overseas, we say, oh, beautiful roads.
“These beautiful roads are being constructed by human beings.
They don’t have two heads, They have the same head with us. So we can replicate what we have seen overseas here,” he said.
Also, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the deputy speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, commended the minister for another significant stride towards strengthening the FCT urban infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Abuja.
“Infrastructure development is not just the foundation upon which economies are built. It is the lifeblood of national progress.
“In the rapidly urbanising world, infrastructure, particularly in urban centres like Abuja, is crucial to fostering sustainable development, enhancing economic growth, and improving the well-being of our citizens.
“The construction of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure facilitates the movement of people, movement of goods, and the movement of services, which in turn spurs productivity, creates jobs, and improves the living standard of all Nigerians,” he said.
He further said that in the FCT, the development of infrastructure is not only an economic necessity, but also a reflexion of their national aspiration, saying that it is common knowledge that Nigeria, like many other developing nations, have an infrastructure deficit.
“According to recent estimates, Nigeria needs to invest about three trillion dollars over the next 30 years to close the infrastructure gap and achieve the level of development required for sustained economic growth.
“The road network, power supply, housing, health care, and education sectors are some of the areas in urgent need of attention. Here in Abuja, the infrastructure deficit is more glaring as the city’s population continues to grow at an annual rate of five percent.
“This puts pressure on the existing facilities and highlights the need for more access roads, more housing, and essential services to cater to the needs of residents, as well as visitors,” he said.
