The Kano State Government KNSG has announced a temporary suspension of the procurement of scrap and waste materials from Nigeria’s North-East region, particularly states affected by Boko Haram insurgency, following a recent deadly explosion in a scrap warehouse.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, Retired Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umaru, during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Scraps and Waste Dealers, Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN).
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According to AVM Umaru, the move became necessary after a bomb explosion rocked a scrap warehouse located along Western Bypass Road and Kofar Ruwa in Kano, resulting in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
“Kano State will continue to protect your interests and businesses, but we must ensure that no explosives are hidden in scrap materials being procured. You must develop written policies and plans to enhance safety and prevent future tragedies,”
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Responding , the Regional President of NASWDEN, Comrade Aminu Hassan revealed that the association had already ceased purchasing scrap materials from areas affected by insurgency.
He stressed the vital role the scrap industry plays in Nigeria’s economy, explaining that many manufacturing companies rely on recycled materials due to the high cost of virgin raw materials.
“If our operations are halted, many industries will collapse. We employ over 100,000 registered members across all 44 LGAs of Kano State, contributing to youth employment and economic growth,”
Comrade Hassan also expressed concern over underaged scavengers and the involvement of some unscrupulous individuals in property vandalism and the purchase of stolen goods.
He emphasized that NASWDEN is working closely with security agencies to arrest and prosecute such offenders.
A Member of the Board of Trustees of NASWDEN and Chairman of the Northern Association of Karafa (NAK) Alhaji Akilu Hassan called for stronger collaboration with the Kano State Government to improve regulation and economic stability.
He assured the Commissioner that the association is committed to preventing further incidents and ensuring that scrap operations are conducted responsibly and safely.