The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the persistent issue of street begging and the Almajiri system in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In response, the House has resolved to investigate the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) social protection programmes and assess the state of its sole rehabilitation centre for street beggars and Almajiris in Bwari Area Council.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Bashiru Dawodu, the representative for Oshodi-Isolo 1 Federal Constituency in Lagos State, titled, *“Need to Investigate the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre and the Social Protection Programmes of the FCT.”*
Dawodu recalled the FCTA’s October 22, 2024, declaration of a crackdown on street begging to restore Abuja’s image and enhance security. He highlighted that many beggars are individuals with disabilities, while poverty, unemployment, the Almajiri system, and internal displacement also contribute to the problem.
The lawmaker criticized previous efforts to address street begging, which relied heavily on law enforcement to apprehend, prosecute, or repatriate beggars, describing them as temporary measures that fail to provide lasting solutions. He noted that beggars often resurface in different locations after such crackdowns.
Dawodu further revealed that the FCT has only one semi-functional rehabilitation centre in Bwari, which is underfunded and provides inadequate services. He called for sustainable solutions, including effective rehabilitation programmes, monthly survival allowances, Almajiri feeding initiatives, and proper resettlement plans for internally displaced persons.
“If the lack of adequate funding and ineffective social protection programmes persist, street begging will remain an intractable problem,” Dawodu warned.
The House subsequently directed its Committee on Disabilities to investigate the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre and the FCTA’s social protection programmes. The committee is expected to report its findings within four weeks for further legislative action.
