Governor Umaru Bago initiates Mandatory Registration for scrap Dealer’s to Regulate the Trade, Reduce Vandalism in Niger State.
By Yahaya Zakka Minna.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has announced that all members of the Scrap and Waste Dealers Association in the state’s 25 Local Government Areas must register with the government through his designated coordinator for scrap activities.
This directive was issued during a meeting at the Government House in Minna, attended by leaders of the scrap and waste dealers association. The meeting aimed to address the ongoing issues related to vandalism and theft of both public and private property within the state.
Governor Bago explained that the registration process will require participants to provide their residential and business addresses, Bank Verification Number (BVN), and National Identity Number (NIN) to facilitate effective monitoring. He assured attendees that the state government would assist the registration process by supplying biometric devices.
Additionally, the governor stated that registration is essential for dealers to obtain a license to operate within the state. He also prohibited individuals under the age of 18 from collecting scrap materials and warned that anyone found in possession of items belonging to public or private sectors would face serious consequences.
The governor mentioned that a final meeting regarding this matter would be held on Thursday of this week, during which the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Abubakar, will inaugurate the newly elected chairpersons of the scrap and waste dealers across all 25 local government areas.
These chairpersons will collaborate directly with the governor’s scrap coordinator, Abdusallam Sa’ad, to tackle the increasing cases of vandalism impacting public and private infrastructure in the state.
Abdusallam Sa’ad, the Governor’s Coordinator on Scrap, commended Governor Bago as a remarkable leader who has demonstrated unprecedented support for scrap dealers in Niger State’s history. He urged scrap and waste dealers to comply with the law.
Sa’ad explained that the governor’s directive for the registration of scrap dealers is intended to regulate the industry and improve business practices. His office will provide registration forms, and the registration fees will be deposited into a government account.
Muhammad Ahmad Ali, the Chairman of the National Association of Scrap and Waste Employers, Niger State Chapter, presented the association’s rules and regulations. These regulations include screening of both current and prospective members, the requirement for members to provide a guarantor and visible means of identification, and strict penalties for those involved in stealing or purchasing stolen items.
The meeting was interactive, allowing for suggestions on how to distinguish dishonest participants from genuine scrap dealers in the state.
