Abuja, Nigeria – December 6, 2024
The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the state of the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre and the effectiveness of social protection programmes implemented by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). This decision followed a motion moved by Hon. Bashiru Dawodu (APC, Lagos) during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Declaring War on Street Begging
Hon. Dawodu, while presenting his motion, highlighted the FCTA’s recent efforts to address street begging. On October 22, 2024, the administration declared a “war on street begging,” aiming to restore Abuja’s image as a modern capital city and enhance security.
Street begging has long been a visible social challenge in Nigeria’s capital. Hon. Dawodu pointed out that most beggars are individuals with disabilities, while other contributors to the issue include Almajiri children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), unemployment, poverty, and entrenched cultural practices.
Failed Strategies
The lawmaker expressed concern over the inefficacy of past strategies aimed at eradicating begging. He recalled that since 2003, successive FCT Administrations have attempted to tackle the issue through law enforcement measures such as apprehending, prosecuting, or repatriating beggars to their home states. However, these measures have only provided temporary relief.
“The strategy has failed because it offers only a short-term solution. Beggars often return, sometimes in different locations, making it clear that enforcement alone cannot address the root causes of begging,” Hon. Dawodu lamented.
A Semi-Functional Rehabilitation Centre
Drawing attention to the existing infrastructure, the lawmaker described the rehabilitation centre in Bwari as “semi-functional” due to chronic underfunding.
“The Federal Capital Territory has one semi-functional rehabilitation centre in Bwari, which is underfunded and provides suboptimal services. This leaves a significant gap in addressing the long-term needs of street beggars, especially persons with disabilities,” he explained.
Hon. Dawodu emphasized that without adequate long-term solutions, such as proper rehabilitation facilities, monthly survival allowances, and comprehensive resettlement plans for Almajiri children and IDPs, the issue of begging would remain endemic.
A Call for Legislative Action
The House of Representatives adopted the motion and mandated its Committee on Disabilities to investigate the state of the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre and the broader social protection programmes under the FCTA. The committee is expected to report its findings and recommendations within four weeks for further legislative action.
Tackling the Root Causes
Hon. Dawodu’s motion also called for a shift in approach toward addressing the underlying issues that fuel begging in the nation’s capital.
“We must recognize that this problem is deeply rooted in systemic issues such as poverty, unemployment, and a lack of comprehensive social protection programmes. Addressing these root causes is essential to achieving a lasting solution,” he said.
The Need for Holistic Solutions
The lawmaker proposed that enhanced funding for social protection initiatives, alongside effective implementation of rehabilitation and resettlement programmes, could help stem the tide of street begging.
“If we continue to ignore the need for adequate funding and long-term solutions, street begging will remain an intractable problem. It is time for us to adopt a holistic approach that not only addresses the immediate challenges but also provides sustainable pathways for those affected,” Hon. Dawodu added.
Public Reactions
The motion has sparked widespread public interest, with many stakeholders calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the FCTA’s social protection framework. Advocates for persons with disabilities have also welcomed the move, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that provide opportunities for marginalized groups to live with dignity.
As the Committee on Disabilities prepares to begin its investigation, there is hope that its findings will lead to meaningful reforms in the FCTA’s approach to social protection. The nation watches with bated breath as the House of Representatives takes this crucial step toward addressing a decades-old problem.
A Step Toward Change
The probe into the FCTA’s social protection programmes could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to address the challenges of street begging. By adopting a more inclusive and sustainable approach, the government may finally be able to tackle this issue at its root, offering a brighter future for those most affected.
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