Senator Ndume Proposes IDP Camp For Abuja’s Beggars, Urges Training And Support.
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to establish an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp for beggars in Abuja. In a recent statement, Ndume advocated for a compassionate approach, proposing that the FCT provide food and vocational training to address the issue of street begging, drawing inspiration from similar initiatives in Kano and other Nigerian states.
Ndume’s proposal comes in the wake of Wike’s controversial crackdown on street begging in the capital, which saw the arrest of 15 beggars and 19 scavengers on 28 October 2024, as part of efforts to enhance security and cleanliness in the city. The senator argued that punitive measures, such as arrests, fail to address the root causes of begging. Instead, he suggested a rehabilitation model, providing skills training and sustenance to empower individuals and reduce their reliance on begging. “Rather than simply arresting them, we should offer a sustainable solution, like what has been done in Kano,” Ndume stated, referencing programmes that combine shelter, food, and skill acquisition.
However, Minister Wike has expressed reservations about the feasibility of Ndume’s proposal. Speaking in response, Wike highlighted the FCT’s limited capacity to implement such a programme. He noted that many beggars might return to the streets even after receiving assistance, citing potential challenges in sustaining long-term rehabilitation efforts. Wike’s stance aligns with his broader initiative to curb street begging, which he has described as a security risk, with some individuals posing as beggars potentially acting as informants for criminal activities.
The debate has sparked mixed reactions. Some Nigerians commend Ndume’s call for a humane approach, pointing to the success of rehabilitation programmes in states like Kano, where vocational training has helped reintegrate vulnerable populations. Others, however, echo Wike’s concerns, arguing that logistical and financial constraints could hinder the establishment of an IDP camp. A non-governmental organisation, Long Term Solution for Destitute Initiative, has also weighed in, urging the government to seek sustainable solutions rather than temporary expulsions, noting that past efforts to relocate beggars have often failed.
This exchange underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing poverty and homelessness in Nigeria’s capital. While Ndume’s proposal highlights the need for systemic change, Wike’s response reflects the practical difficulties of implementing such initiatives in a city grappling with rapid urbanisation and security concerns. As the FCT continues its efforts to maintain order, the call for a balanced approach combining compassion and pragmatism remains at the forefront of public discourse.
