By Olokuta Rofiat, Omoniyi David, Onilede Titi, and Merciful Omoba
Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), who clean the Galadima bridge in Abuja have cried out over what they describe as years of neglect by government and relevant authorities, saying they depend solely on tips from passersby for survival.
One of the cleaners, Hawal Idris, told Abuja City Journal that he and six others work daily on the bridge without pay or formal recognition.
“We don’t get paid by the government. It’s people who walk on the bridge that give us tips,” he said.
Idris disclosed that each worker makes between ₦4,000 and ₦6,000 daily, depending on the generosity of pedestrians.
He added that they sleep in Magloba, Gwarinpa, after work.
Another cleaner, Usman Lawal, said sweeping the bridge is his only means of livelihood.
“That’s how I feed myself daily. From the tips people give, I eat,” he said.
Lawal appealed for government employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, stressing that they are willing to work if given a chance.
“We don’t have a choice. We take whatever comes to us,” he added.
A third cleaner, who preferred anonymity, lamented that several NGOs and government officials had visited them with empty promises of assistance.
“Many people have come here, promising to help us get paid or supported by the government, but all were fake,” he said.
He revealed that some of them have worked under the bridge for over 20 years, braving harsh weather without any form of shelter or welfare support.
Despite their frustrations, the group maintains that they are not seeking sympathy, only recognition and basic support for their service to the city.
“We will just be grateful for anything the government can provide,” they said.
