The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reiterated its commitment to a sustained crackdown on child begging in Abuja, declaring the exercise will be continuous until the streets are cleared of underage beggars.
Dr. Idris Yahaya, Director of Child Development at the FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat, made this known during a two-day training session on child protection case management for stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory. The training was organised by the Child Protection Network (CPN), FCT chapter, to enhance the ability of child protection actors to manage cases more effectively.
According to Yahaya, a dedicated committee under the Social and Welfare Department has been actively moving through the streets of Abuja to identify and remove children being used for alms begging.
“Some individuals pretend to be blind or disabled to gain sympathy. Once apprehended, they are taken to rehabilitation centres for proper care and later relocated to their states of origin,” he said.
Yahaya noted that Abuja’s status as a federal territory attracts people from neighbouring states who exploit the city’s visibility to engage in begging under false pretences. He also warned that the FCTA is monitoring other forms of child abuse, including child labour, and urged parents to prioritise their children’s welfare.
“Children are vulnerable because they can’t protect or provide for themselves. That’s why every parent and guardian must take child protection seriously,” he added.
He further called for an urgent review of the 2003 Child Rights Act, arguing that some provisions have become outdated and insufficient to address today’s child protection challenges.
Also speaking at the training, Mr. Gbenga Adeleke, National Coordinator of the Child Protection Network in the FCT, stressed the need for a collective effort in safeguarding children. He highlighted a disturbing lack of awareness among the public and even among first responders.
“Our data shows that about 68 percent of FCT residents are unaware of the Child Rights Act. Many don’t understand their role in protecting children, and some frontline workers lack the training to respond effectively when abuse is reported,” Adeleke said.
He called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society, educators, and the public to ensure every child is raised in a safe and nurturing environment.
