BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI, ABUJA
Worried by the security situation in the nation’s capital, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike has given beggars on Abuja streets a one-week ultimatum to leave the streets or be arrested.
Wike gave the ultimatum on Tuesday at the official flag-off ceremony of the construction of access road from Ring road 1, by N16 to Judges Quarters, and the construction of roads within Judges Quarters in Katampe district.
The minister frowned that Abuja, the nation’s capital city, is returning to beggars city, adding that the administration can no longer tolerate that.
According to him, “We have declared war against beggars on Abuja streets. Abuja is returning to beggar’s city.
If you have a sister, or you have a brother who is a beggar on Abuja streets, tell them that there are plans to remove them next week.
It is embarrassing that people who come into the city, the first thing they see are just beggars on the road. Sometimes too, they may not be beggars, but informants.
They may be criminals pretending to be beggars. We will not allow that. So, I’m giving a public order from now till Sunday, From Monday, next week, we will remove them. Let us know that we have a city that we can call a city.”
He disclosed that the projects are expected to be committed in May, 2025, adding that the administration has already paid about 70% of the project cost.
He continued, “As I speak to you, we have not less than 70% of the money in the budget.
So, you have to work day and night to make sure Mr. President commissioned the project in his second year anniversary.”
Flagging off the road project, the speaker of House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, noted that the construction of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure facilitates the movement of people, goods, and services, which in turn spurs productivity, creates jobs, and improves the living standards of all Nigerians.
Abbas pointed out that the Federal Capital Territory, with its unique status as the seat of government, the development of infrastructure is not only an economic necessity, but also a reflection of our national aspirations.
Represented by the deputy speaker, Hon Benjamin Kalu, the house speaker said that it is common knowledge that Nigeria, like many other developing nations, has an infrastructure deficit.
He continued, “According to recent estimates, Nigeria needs to invest about $3 trillion 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, healthcare, 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 5%. This puts pressure on existing facilities and highlights the need for more access roads, housing, and essential services to cater to the needs of residents.”