By Jesusemen Oratokhai
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari Area Council and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Administration’s social protection programs.
This decision came after a motion by Mr. Bashiru Dawodu, representing Oshodi-Isolo 1 Federal Constituency, Lagos, who raised concerns over the ineffectiveness of efforts to tackle street begging in the FCT.
Dawodu pointed out that despite the FCT Administration’s October 2024 declaration to eliminate street begging, the problem persists, driven by underlying factors such as disability, poverty, unemployment, and displacement.
He criticized the current approach, which focuses on enforcement and repatriation, as a short-term measure.
“The Federal Capital Territory has only one semi-functional rehabilitation centre in Bwari, which is underfunded and provides substandard services,” Dawodu stated, urging the adoption of effective, long-term interventions such as rehabilitation programs, survival allowances, and resettlement initiatives.
In response, the House directed its Committee on Disabilities to investigate the situation and report back within four weeks with recommendations for further legislative action.
