FCT Minister Wike Announces Crackdown on Beggars Starting Monday

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning to roadside beggars in Abuja, urging them to desist from their activities or face arrest by enforcement agents.

The announcement was made by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of access roads to the newly designated judges’ quarters in Katampe. Wike raised concerns over the rising number of individuals occupying the streets, warning that their presence poses a significant security risk to the nation’s capital.

The minister set an ultimatum for October 27, 2024, for all affected individuals to vacate the streets or face enforcement actions.

In his address, Wike also mentioned that he had revoked the certificate of occupancy for several plots of land in Katampe previously allocated to Julius Berger, a prominent German construction firm.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the design and construction of 40 new judges’ quarters was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.

Wike highlighted that 70% of the project’s funding had already been disbursed following approval by the Federal Executive Council last month. Of the 40 housing units, 20 will be allocated to the FCT High Court, 10 to the Federal High Court, and 10 to the Court of Appeal.