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)