SCAVENGERS TO BEGIN REGISTRATION, DOCUMENTING MEMBERS TO SANITIZE THE SCRAP INDUSTRY

Read Time:4 Minute, 18 Second

In an effort to cleanse the scrap sector, the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria and its partners have announced plans to start registering and documenting its members.

This was said by the stakeholders during NASWDEN’s extraordinary special delegates conference on Thursday in Abuja.

The stakeholders claim that the action is a reaction to these unlawful practices, which have damaged the industry’s reputation and have been ascribed to illegal “iron condemn” scavengers.

The event’s theme was “Operation Say No to vandals and double taxation on our highway,” according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

The increase in criminal activity, including the destruction of private and public infrastructure by people posing as scrap dealers, was denounced by Mr. John Obeh, the president of NASWDEN.

According to Obeh, these illegal operations prompted numerous state governments to start banning scrap scavenging, which resulted in the prohibition of scrap collectors in different residential areas and a widespread unfavourable opinion of the industry.

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

“This will include creating a nationwide database of registered dealers, which will also feature biometric information for easy identification.

“Additionally, NASWDEN will establish a task force to monitor scrap-bearing vehicles at designated checkpoints across the country.

“These checkpoints will inspect trucks for prohibited materials, including railway tracks, manholes, and energy infrastructure, which are often targeted by vandals, ” he said.

Any truck seen transporting such materials will be turned over to the appropriate security organisations, Obeh said.

Additionally, he expressed alarm about the actions of illicit ticketing agents on Nigerian highways, pointing out that these people inflate transportation costs by charging scrap-bearing trucks several illegal charges.

He claimed that this problem jeopardises the federal government’s strategy of ease of doing business and urged the Inspector-General of Police to help resolve it.

In order to guarantee that steel industries work together with its members to accomplish its goals, the president of NASWDEN encouraged the Ministry of Steel Development to cooperate with the association.

He also appealed to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria to support NASWDEN’s efforts by working together to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted supply of metal scrap and waste materials to manufacturing companies.

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.

The NASWDEN boss called on the Federal Government to support the association’s efforts by providing operational vehicles and logistical support, particularly in its efforts to clean 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 to promote the growth of the scrap and waste industry for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.

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

”Today’s initiative is a testament to the association’s unwavering commitment to curbing the illegal practices that threaten the industry’s integrity, safety, and development of our nation as a whole.

“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 the strategic role NASWDEN plays in the regulation and management of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap in Nigeria.

“This campaign is a crucial step towards creating a more secure, ethical, and sustainable environment for all stakeholders in the industry,” he said.

He then pledged the commitment of the ministry to provide the necessary backing to ensure that the goals of the campaign were 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 the infrastructure that is critical to our nation’s development,” he said.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed the commitment of the police to support the union in the fight against vandalism and other vices in the country.

Egbetokun, who was represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police Sule Abel, said vandalism and destruction of properties were crimes, not only against the state but also against individuals.

“I am pleased with your noble objectives and call on other stakeholders to emulate you.

“We assure that the Police is ready to give you maximum support when and where necessary to ensure eradication of this challenge,” he said.

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

Bello further said that there was a need for synergy among key stakeholders to tackle the challenge of vandals in the country