Concerned by the persistent explosions leading to the killing of innocent lives, allegedly caused by scraps, the Kano State Government has temporarily prohibited the importation of such items from Borno and Yobe states.
The government directed a temporary suspension of the importation of scrap and waste materials from northeastern states, particularly those affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, in order to safeguard lives and property.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, AVM Ibrahim Umaru (retd), gave the directive during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria, NASWDEN, in the city on Wednesday.
Umaru said the directive followed recent bomb explosions at warehouses containing such scrap materials along the Western Bypass Road and at Kofar Ruwa, which resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
He urged members of the association to put in place measures aimed at preventing such incidents and to ensure that no explosives are present in scrap materials before they are imported into the state.
“As Kano State will continue to protect your interests and your business, you should come up with written policy and plans that will boost your business,” he added.
Earlier, the regional president of the association, Aminu Hassan, informed the commissioner that they had already stopped buying scrap and waste materials from states plagued by Boko Haram and insurgency in the North-East.
He assured that they would continue to be law-abiding business partners and stressed the need for the Kano State Government to support them in improving their operations.
He noted that the association was established under the Trade Union Act of 2004 and is regulated by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity.
He stated that most companies in the country depend on scrap materials for production, as they cannot afford to buy virgin or new raw materials. He warned that if their business collapses, many companies would be affected.
He further added that the activities of the association have created jobs for many unemployed youths, noting that they have over 100, 000 registered members across the 44 local government areas of the state.
Hassan highlighted some challenges affecting their operations, including the influx of underaged children as scavengers. He distanced the association from such practices, blaming parents and guardians for poor moral upbringing.
He revealed that some unscrupulous members had been involved in vandalism and the purchase of stolen items. However, he stated that the association cooperates with security agencies in the arrest and prosecution of offenders.
Also commenting, the member of the Board of Trustees of the association, Alhaji Akilu Hassan, stressed the need for collaboration with the Kano State Government to ensure stable economic growth and development. He assured that the association would not relent in its efforts to prevent future occurrences of such incidents.
