The Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to withdraw his recent threat to arrest beggars in Abuja or face potential legal consequences. The civil society organization made this call in a post shared on its official X handle, #SerapNigeria, on Wednesday.

SERAP emphasized that rather than criminalizing individuals for their socio-economic status, the government should focus on providing opportunities for these individuals to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
Wike had announced during a road construction flag-off ceremony in the Katampe District of Abuja on Tuesday that enforcement agents would begin apprehending beggars from the following Monday. “Let me state clearly that we have declared war; Abuja is turning into a beggar city,” Wike said. He added, “If you know you have a sister or brother who is a beggar, please, from next week, we will take them away. It is embarrassing that people will come in and the first thing they will see are just beggars on the road.”

The minister expressed concerns that some of the beggars could be criminals posing as needy individuals, stating that he would give them a ‘public holiday’ until Sunday before commencing the crackdown.

In response, SERAP criticized Wike’s approach, calling it “apparently unlawful,” and insisted that no one should be criminalized for engaging in life-sustaining economic activities or due to their socio-economic conditions.
The organization urged the minister to address the underlying issues contributing to poverty and the violation of economic and social rights, particularly for marginalized individuals in Abuja. SERAP suggested that Wike focus on alleviating the plight of those experiencing homelessness and living in poverty, rather than demonizing and criminalizing them.