A non-governmental organisation, the Long Term Solution for Destitute Initiative has urged the Federal Government to tackle the issue of begging with compassion and understanding.
The plead which follows the five-day ultimatum for beggars to vacate Abuja’s streets, issued by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike was made on Sunday in a statement made available to newsmen.
A statement signed by the organisation’s chairman, Dr. Saleh Ibrahim stated, “Addressing the menace of begging is not rocket science.”
Ibrahim described street begging as a “badge of shame” for a society that allows poverty to flourish. Highlighting the predominance of Northern beggars, he stated, “It’s embarrassing that despite our political power, we have not addressed this issue effectively.”
He commended Wike’s efforts but warned against superficial solutions. “A cosmetic approach to public policy usually makes a bad situation worse,” he noted, referring to previous expulsions of beggars by past ministers, including Nasir El-Rufai and General Jerry Usman, which had little lasting impact.
The statement also highlighted the constitutional rights of citizens to reside anywhere, stating the need for government support for the vulnerable. “The welfare of the weak must be prioritised,” he argued.
Housing Rights Watch analyst, Anna Kompatscher echoed this sentiment, asserting that “banning begging can push people further into poverty.” She stressed the importance of supportive measures rather than punitive ones.
Ibrahim also called for a genuine commitment from authorities, asserting that effective strategies already exist globally to address such social issues. “With good governance and sincerity, we can make a difference,” he stated.
