The Abia State Government has announced plans to regulate the scrap metal and scavenging industry to create a more secure and environmentally friendly atmosphere for residents and legitimate businesses in the State.
Speaking during a meeting with the Scrap Metal Association in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a structured scrap industry. He noted that all scrap dealers and scavengers will be required to register their businesses, operate within approved timeframes, and adhere to environmental guidelines.
Mr. Ogbonna reiterated the government’s readiness to provide a favourable environment for all genuine businesses, stressing the importance of cordial relationships between the state and scrap dealers. He highlighted that the meeting aimed to resolve the challenges facing the scrap metal industry and to curb the activities of unauthorised scavengers.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Kingsley Nwokocha, pointed out that proper regulation would help track the sources of scrap materials and prevent the theft of public infrastructure, such as manhole covers and metal components of newly constructed roads.
He urged all scavengers and scrap dealers to obtain their Abia State Social Identification Number, (ABSSIN), and register their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Chief Ogbonnia Okereke, acknowledged that scavenging is a legitimate means of livelihood, but expressed concern over rising cases of infrastructure vandalism, including missing manholes and waste buckets.
He emphasized that ending these issues relies heavily on buyers refraining from purchasing stolen government property, and reassured the public that the government remains committed to supporting compliant scrap businesses.
In their speeches, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Mrs. Ijeoma Iheukwumere, and Special Assistant to the Governor on Climate Change and Sustainability, Ms. Esther Ajah, urged scavengers to adopt better practices and avoid illegal activities that could hinder the scrap metal recycling chain.
Responding, key members of the Scrap Metal Association, including Mr. Chukwudi Onwukaeme and Mr. Okeke Ogwuegbu, disclosed that Inner Galaxy Company Limited, which they described as the biggest dump site for metals in the State does not buy railway tracks, manhole and other government infrastructure materials. They also called on the state to implement policies that will harmonise scavenging activities, while pledging to support the government in every of its agenda.
