Scrap dealers to register members nationwide, curb illegal activities

The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria and other industry stakeholders have announced plans to begin registering and documenting their members to improve the integrity of the scrap industry.

The stakeholders made this announcement at the Extraordinary Special Delegates Conference of NASWDEN on Thursday in Abuja.

The move, according to the stakeholders, is in response to criminal activities attributed to unregistered “iron condemn” scavengers, which have tarnished the image of the industry.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the theme of the event was “Operation Say No to Vandals and Double Taxation on Our Highway.”

NASWDEN President, Mr John Obeh, lamented the rise in criminal activities, including the vandalisation of public and private infrastructure by individuals posing as scrap dealers.

Obeh revealed that in response to these issues, many state governments have started outlawing scrap scavenging, leading to bans on collectors in residential estates and a general negative perception of the profession.

“To address these issues, NASWDEN is embarking on the registration and documentation of all scrap dealers and their operations across Nigeria,” he said.

“This will include creating a nationwide database of registered dealers, which will also feature biometric information for easy identification. NASWDEN will also establish a task force to monitor scrap-bearing vehicles at designated checkpoints nationwide. These checkpoints will inspect trucks for prohibited materials, such as railway tracks, manholes, and energy infrastructure, often targeted by vandals.”

According to Obeh, any truck found carrying such materials will be handed over to relevant security agencies.

He also raised concerns about the activities of illegal ticketing agents on Nigerian highways, noting that these individuals impose multiple illegal charges on scrap-bearing trucks, which inflate transportation costs.

Obeh called on the Inspector-General of Police to assist in addressing this issue, which he said undermines the federal government’s ease of doing business policy.

The NASWDEN President urged the Ministry of Steel Development to collaborate with the association to ensure that steel industries work with its members to achieve shared objectives.

He also appealed to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to support NASWDEN’s efforts by working together to secure a steady supply of metal scrap and waste materials for manufacturing.

During the conference, NASWDEN inaugurated a special task force, “Operation Say No to Vandalism,” aimed at eliminating criminal activities and preventing double taxation on highways.

Obeh called on the Federal Government to support the association by providing operational vehicles and logistical support, especially in cleaning up the Federal Capital Territory.

He also urged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the police to assist in securing the operations of the task force.

“We recognise that fighting vandals and criminals is a risky endeavour, but with the support of all stakeholders, I believe we can successfully combat these challenges. This will help promote the growth of the scrap and waste industry for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, represented by Mr Frederick Ewa, Director of Metallurgical Inspectorate and Environmental Protection, commended NASWDEN for its efforts to end vandalism.

“Today’s initiative is a testament to the association’s unwavering commitment to curbing illegal practices that threaten the industry’s integrity, safety, and the nation’s development,” he said.

“Vandalism and illegal ticketing on our highways are serious concerns that undermine infrastructure, impact livelihoods, and disrupt the economy. The Ministry acknowledges and deeply values NASWDEN’s strategic role in the regulation and management of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap in Nigeria.”

He then pledged the ministry’s support to ensure the goals of the campaign are achieved.

“As we launch this campaign, I encourage all stakeholders, industry leaders, dealers, vendors, and the general public to actively support this initiative. It is only through our collective efforts that we can create a safer and more prosperous environment for the steel and scrap industry, while safeguarding infrastructure critical to our nation’s development,” he said.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed the police’s commitment to supporting the union in the fight against vandalism and other crimes in the country.

Egbetokun, represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police Sule Abel, noted that vandalism and property destruction are crimes against both the state and individuals.

“I am pleased with your noble objectives and call on other stakeholders to emulate your example. The police are ready to provide maximum support when and where necessary to eradicate this challenge,” he said.

Representing the National Security and Civil Defence Corps, Deputy Commandant Adebayo Bello also affirmed the corps’ commitment to support the association’s mandate.

Bello further emphasised the need for synergy among key stakeholders to tackle the challenge of vandals in the country.

(NAN)