See How The Rate of Beggars Increase in Abuja
Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, is a city of stark contrasts. Amidst its bustling streets filled with luxury vehicles and modern architecture, another reality persists—one marked by increasing numbers of beggars, including men, women, and children struggling to survive. This situation has arisen from a complex mix of poverty, conflict, and desperation, leaving many individuals with no choice but to seek assistance on the streets.
Prevalence of Begging in Abuja
Street begging is particularly noticeable at major intersections, malls, airports, and places of worship throughout the city. Beggars range from the elderly to young children, with some holding placards to communicate their dire situations, while others carry infants to elicit sympathy. Despite efforts from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, the number of beggars continues to grow.
The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and the FCT Social Development Secretariat are tasked with managing and rehabilitating beggars. However, investigations reveal that both agencies are struggling to keep up with the rising numbers of individuals seeking help.
Understanding the Drivers of Begging
To comprehend the challenges faced by these individuals, insights were gathered from several beggars across the city. Many come from conflict-ridden regions in northern Nigeria, driven to Abuja by insecurity and the search for safety. Women, particularly widows from states like Zamfara and Borno, have shared harrowing stories of loss and displacement due to violence and banditry.
Sakinatu Bello, originally from Nasarawa State, recounted her struggle after her husband was abducted. Another woman, who lost her family to violence, has spent years begging on the streets. Similarly, Nura Alhassan, who fled banditry in Katsina, highlighted the dire circumstances that led him to seek refuge in Abuja, where he believed opportunities might exist.
Many beggars cite a lack of job prospects in Nigeria as a driving force behind their situation. Nuru Imam, for instance, traveled from Borno State seeking work but found none, turning to begging as a last resort.
The Allure of Abuja
Beggars often view Abuja as a more favorable option compared to other cities due to its perceived safety and the potential for financial support from wealthier residents. As Umar Isah from Zamfara noted, escaping violence often leads individuals to seek refuge in the capital, where they believe they might find opportunities for change.
However, the situation is not without complications. Residents have expressed concerns about safety and respect, recounting instances of harassment and even theft by some beggars. Tabitha Onah shared her discomfort after witnessing an attempted robbery, while Rashida Muhammad described a disrespectful encounter with a beggar, leading her to reconsider her charitable actions.
Government Response and Challenges
The challenge of managing street begging in Abuja falls primarily on the AEPB and the Social Development Service Secretariat. Officials from these agencies have acknowledged the increasing number of beggars despite ongoing efforts to address the issue through removal and rehabilitation.
Efforts are underway to enhance rehabilitation facilities, but the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. Many in the community call for more sustainable solutions that address the root causes of begging rather than merely managing its symptoms.
As the crisis deepens, the need for a coordinated and compassionate response from both government and civil society becomes ever more urgent, highlighting the necessity of addressing underlying social issues to create lasting change.
