Reps to probe FCT social protection programmes
The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to investigate the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre located in Bwari Area Council and the Social Protection Programmes of the Federal Capital Territory. administration.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the “Need to investigate the Abuja rehabilitation centre and the Social Protection Programmes of the FCT,” sponsored by the member representing Oshodi-Isolo 1 Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Mr. Bashiru Dawodu.
Speaking about the motion, the Lagos lawmaker noted that on October 22, 2024, the FCT administration declared war on the street begging to restore Abuja’s image and enhance security.
He added that the majority of beggars are individuals with disabilities, with other contributing factors including Almajiri, internally displaced persons, poverty, unemployment, and cultural factors.
Describing begging as an age long-standing social ill in Nigeria, the lawmaker noted that successive FCT Administrations since 2003 declared war on beggers and used law enforcement agents to apprehend, prosecute, or repatriate them to their states.
He however lamented that “the strategy has failed because it provides only a short-term solution as the beggars soon return probably in a changed location.”
He continued, “The House is aware that the Federal Capital Territory has one semi-functional rehabilitation centre in Bwari which is underfunded and provides only suboptimal services.”
According to him, “The lack of effective long-term solutions like rehabilitation, monthly survival allowance, Almajiris feeding and internally displaced persons resettlement will result in endemic begging.
“If the lack of adequate funding and ineffective social protection programmes persist; street begging will remain intractable,” he added.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Disabilities to investigate the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre and Social Protection Programmes of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and report within four weeks for further legislative action.
