Niger State Government Engages Scrap Dealers’ Leadership to Combat Vandalism and Property Theft.
By Yahaya Zakka Minna.
The Niger State Government convened a crucial meeting with leaders from the state chapter of the Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria to address the ongoing issue of vandalism and theft affecting both public and private properties throughout the state.
Held at the Government House in Minna, the meeting was initiated by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of vandalism, as criminal elements have been disguising themselves as members of the Scrap Association to steal valuable materials from various establishments.
Governor Bago emphasized that the government would not tolerate criminal activities masquerading as legitimate scrap trading. He urged the leaders of the Scrap Dealers to take action against unscrupulous members within their ranks and assist in identifying those responsible for these illicit acts.
To further address these issues, the governor announced plans for an upcoming meeting involving key stakeholders from the association across all 25 local government areas, as well as heads of security agencies. This meeting will focus on reviewing the operational guidelines of the association. He warned that an executive bill would be presented to the State Assembly, and any violators would face prosecution.
The governor also tasked the association’s task force with increasing their patrol efforts, particularly at major entry and exit points in the state, to prevent the movement of uncertified scrap materials.
In response, Mallam Mohammed Ahmed, chairman of the state chapter of the Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria, outlined the association’s plans to implement uniforms and identification cards for its members to reduce fraudulent practices. He raised concerns regarding the reluctance of some local government areas to register for membership and the lack of funding to effectively mobilize their task force for monitoring activities.
Mallam Ahmed expressed gratitude to Governor Bago for facilitating the meeting and sought further support to help achieve their shared goal of eliminating the trade in stolen scrap materials.
