The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) and stakeholders have reiterated commitment to end vandalism and illegal ticketing on highways across the country.

The stakeholders said this at the Extraordinary Special Delegates Conference of the NASWDEN on Thursday in Abuja.

The theme of the event was “Operation Say No to Vandals and Double Taxation on our Highway”.

The Presisent of NASWDEN, Mr John Obeh, decried the rise of criminal activities, including the vandalisation of public and private infrastructure by individuals masquerading as scrap dealers.

According to him, this has tarnished the image of the industry and caused widespread concern across the country.

Obeh revealed that many state governments had begun outlawing scrap scavenging in response to these criminal activities, which have been attributed to illegal “iron condemn” scavengers.

He said that these activities had led to bans on scrap collectors in various residential estates and a general negative perception of the profession.

“To address these issues, NASWDEN is embarking on the registration and documentation of all scrap dealers and their operations across Nigeria.

“This will include creating a nationwide database of registered dealers, which will also feature biometric information for easy identification.

“Additionally, NASWDEN will establish a task force to monitor scrap-bearing vehicles at designated checkpoints across the country.

“These checkpoints will inspect trucks for prohibited materials, including railway tracks, manholes, and energy infrastructure, which are often targeted by vandals, ” he said.

According to Obeh, any truck found carrying such materials will be handed over to relevant security agencies.

He also raised concerns about the activities of illegal ticketing agents on Nigerian highways, noting that these individuals impose multiple illegal charges on scrap-bearing trucks, thus inflating transportation costs.

He called on the Inspector-General of Police to assist in addressing this issue, which he said undermined the Federal Government’s policy of ease of doing business.

The NASWDEN President urged the Ministry of Steel Development to collaborate with the association to ensure that steel industries cooperate with its members in achieving its objectives.

He also appealed to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to support NASWDEN’s efforts by working together to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted supply of metal scrap and waste materials to manufacturing companies.

During the conference, NASWDEN inaugurated a special task force, “Operation Say No to Vandalism”, aimed at eliminating criminal activities and preventing double taxation on highways.

The NASWDEN boss called on the Federal Government to support the association’s efforts by providing operational vehicles and logistical support, particularly in its efforts to clean up the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He also urged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the police to assist in securing the operations of the task force.

“We recognise that fighting vandals and criminals is a risky endeavor, but with the support of all stakeholders, I believe we can successfully combat these challenges.

“This will help to promote the growth of the scrap and waste industry for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, represented by Mr Frederick Ewa, Director, Metallurgical Inspectorate and Environmental Protection, commended the union for its effort to end vandalism.

”Today’s initiative is a testament to the association’s unwavering commitment to curbing the illegal practices that threaten the industry’s integrity, safety and development of our nation as a whole.

“Vandalism and illegal ticketing on our highways are serious concerns that undermine infrastructure, impact livelihoods, and disrupt the economy.

“The ministry acknowledges and deeply values the strategic role NASWDEN plays in the regulation and management of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap in Nigeria.

“This campaign is a crucial step towards creating a more secure, ethical, and sustainable environment for all stakeholders in the industry,” he said.

He then pledged the commitment of the ministry to provide the necessary backing to ensure that the goals of the campaign were achieved.

“As we launch this campaign, I encourage all stakeholders, industry leaders, dealers, vendors, and the general public to actively support this initiative.

” It is only through our collective efforts that we can create a safer and more prosperous environment for the steel and scrap industry, while safeguarding the infrastructure that is critical to our nation’s development,” he said.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expreseed the commitment of the police to supporting the union in the fight against vandalism and other vices in the country.

Egbetokun, who was represented by ACP Sule Abel, said that vandalism and destruction of properties were crimes, not only against the state, but against individuals.

“I am pleased with your noble objectives and call on other stakeholders to emulate you.

” Be assured that the Police is ready to give you maximum support when and where neccessary to ensure eradication of this challenge,” he said.

Represenring the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Deputy Commandant Adebayo Bello , also restated the commitment of the corps to support the association’s mandate.

Bello furrher said that there was need for synergy among key stakeholders to tackle the challenge of vandals in the country.(NAN)

Gov. Alex Otti has vowed that anybody implicated in the mismanagement or theft of pension funds in the state will face prosecution.

Otti made the remark during the November edition of the monthly chat with the media at the Government House, Umuahia on Thursday night.

He said that recent investigations revealed that some civil servants were involved in pension fraud.

He said that the government would work diligently to investigate and hold accountable anyone involved in pension fraud as part of the efforts to sanitise the civil service.

“I am sure you would have heard some reports about some civil servants who were involved in pension fraud.

“We have zero tolerance for corruption, once we got convincing information we had to arrest the people involved.

“Coincidentally, the opposition went on air to castigate the government.

“My question is somebody stole and I arrested him and you went to press to say that I shouldn’t arrest a thief, that means you are a thief yourself.

“I think we have responded to them and we are continuing with their prosecution,” Otti said.

He said that he received a report of the investigation from the security agency handling the matter and  authorised that the perpetrators  should be arraigned in the next few days.

On health, he said that the government would soon commence the rehabilitation of the Primary Healthcare Centers (PHC) in the state to improve access to quality healthcare services.

“I have just signed off the reconstruction of about 200 primary healthcare centers in the three senatorial districts and 17 Local Government Areas.

“If you look around you will see that work would start in the PHCs.

“When we are done with the approved 200, we would move to the next 200, until we have touched every primary healthcare center,” the governor said.

He further said that the government had commenced the rehabilitation of 22 secondary healthcare centers across the state.

According to him, government was making serious efforts to attract the right personnel to work in the state-owned health facilities and pay competitive compensation package to all of them.

Otti also spoke on road construction, saying that contract had been awarded for the reconstruction of some roads to further drive socioeconomic development in the state.

He listed the roads to include the 5.5-km Onuimo-Abia Tower Road, 29-km Onuinyang-Okporoenyi-Oboro-Ikwuano Road, 11.5-km Ntigha-Mbawsi-Umuala Road and 11.1-km Obehie-Umudobia-Owaza Road.

Other roads are the.11.7-km Mbala-Umuaku-Ngodo Road, Umuogo-Nsukwe Ring Road,13-km Ohanze-Ntighauzo-Obete-Umuoha-Obende-Akirikaobo Road and  6.92-km Umuopara Ring Road.

On agriculture, he said that he had approved the disbursement of funds to the 300 Abia youths sponsored by the government for training on improved agricultural practices.

“I have just given instructions that the funds we approved for them be released to them so that they can hit the ground running,” Otti said.

He affirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and capacity building in order to enhance growth in the various sectors of the state’s economy.

On economy, Otti said that the government had made significant improvements in enhancing the ease of doing business in the state.

“The National Bureau of Statistics published a report that showed that our state came from number 27 in terms of attraction of foreign investment to number three out of 37, immediately following Lagos and Abuja.

“We think between June 2023 and June 2024, our state attracted almost $150.9 million to place 3rd.

“We have always said that foreign investment as a matter of fact is not emotional but rational, so investment and investors don’t listen to platitudes they look at action,” he said.

Otti expressed his determination to continually work toward creating an enabling environment that will make Abia to remain a choice destination for investors. (NAN)

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called for severe punishment for individuals involved in charging the 76 minors with terrorism, treason and arson for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest.

In a statement by the Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Ricers) also demanded for adequate compensation for the children and their families for the trauma.

Chinda commended President Bola Tinubu for being responsive to calls by Nigerians, and the Iinternational community for the termination of the suit and the release of the children.

“While we commend the President for the timely intervention, the caucus strongly canvass the possible  investigation, prosecution, and discipline of individuals, and government agencies involved in the despicable, callous, and inhuman action that has led to national disgrace, and global condemnation.

“Anybody, and institution that played roles in the hounding of the children into cells for about 95 days when they should be at their respective schools, trades, and vocations must be brought to book for necessary public umbrage, and punitive measures discharged to serve as detterent to others.

“Conscious of the psychological trauma, and health challenges the children may have experienced, we appeal that quality reformatory therapy sessions, and medical support be advanced to them as they unite with their respective families.

“Also, we call for immediate reparation packages to the children and their families to ameliorate the untoward hardship, pain, and emotional torture suffered during the period of unlawful incarceration,” he said.

The #EndBadGovernance protest which began in Aug. 1,  and lasted for 10days, was characterised by destruction of public and private property and some protest in north were seen hoisting Russian flags.

The security agencies in attempt to bring the situation under control, arrested and detained some protesters which included children.

The minors’ arraignment sparked public outrage and criticism of the government after they were paraded in court .

President Tinubu directed that all minors detained during protests against the rising cost of living in August be freed and treason charges on Monday.

Report says that on Nov. 5, the Federal High Court in Abuja struck out the treason charges against the minors.

The trial judge, Obiora Egwatu, struck out the case after the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation  M.D. Abubakar, announced the withdrawal of the charges.(NAN)