Nearly three weeks after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, ordered hawkers, beggars, and urchins to vacate the streets of Abuja or face arrest, the directive has largely been ignored. Despite an initial compliance when the minister’s task force began enforcement on October 28, 2024, these groups have since returned to their usual spots, conducting business and seeking alms undeterred.
Findings reveal that the roadside traders have resumed their activities at various locations, including Katampe by Winners Chapel Junction and the Dawaki bypass near Gwarinpa, where ongoing road construction has slowed traffic, providing opportunities for their operations. The trend is replicated across the city, with major routes like the Apo Mechanic axis also teeming with hawkers and beggars.
Some of these individuals cited lack of alternative livelihoods as their reason for defying the order. A roadside vendor, Ali Yaro, expressed his predicament: “Where do they want us to relocate to when we have no other source of income apart from begging and selling on the road?”
Despite Wike’s earlier stern warnings and promises of strict enforcement, it remains unclear whether the task force has been disbanded or instructed to halt operations. Security personnel have not intervened in these activities, leaving hawkers and beggars to operate freely.
Wike had previously declared a “war” on street begging and trading, emphasizing the need to maintain Abuja’s status as a clean and organized city while addressing security concerns. He argued that many beggars might also be informants for criminal activities and vowed to remove them from the city. However, the persistence of these groups raises questions about the effectiveness of enforcement measures and the provision of alternative support for those affected by the ban.
This situation highlights the broader socio-economic challenges faced by many urban residents who rely on informal economic activities for survival. The minister’s approach, while addressing urban order, may need to consider sustainable solutions for affected individuals to ensure compliance and long-term impact.