Abia State Government Announces Immediate Reforms in Scrap Metal and Scavenging Sector

Abia State Government Announces Immediate Reforms in Scrap Metal and Scavenging Sector

The Abia State Government has announced the immediate reform and reorganization of the scrap metal and scavenging business across the State.

Speaking while addressing members of the Scrap Metals and Scavenging Dealers Association in his office, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, expressed concern over the rising cases of theft of public and private infrastructure. He listed items such as electrical cables, transformers, railway materials, manhole covers, iron sheets, and streetlight components as commonly stolen materials, noting that these losses pose serious security risks and financial burdens to both government and private owners.

Mr. Ogbonna said the purpose of the meeting was to generate ideas that will help streamline and harmonize the operations of scavengers in the State. He stressed that existing irregularities in the sector have painted the State in a negative light.

He explained that the business will now be placed under proper regulation to curb theft and other practices that endanger the State. He urged operators to obtain their ABSSIN number and register their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), emphasizing that the new directives are not intended to hinder their activities but to support the growth of a lawful and organized system.

The Commissioner added that the new measures introduced by the State Government are aimed at eliminating irregularities and encouraged the dealers to form a unified union that will accommodate all practitioners in the sector.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Kingsley Uwokocha, described the scrap business as both legitimate and lucrative. He noted that the ongoing reforms will ensure proper restructuring, warning that anyone who fails to register with the CAC will not be allowed to operate in the State. He assured stakeholders that the reform process will eliminate existing challenges and irregularities.

In her remarks, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Dr. Emmanuel Okpechi, stated that the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for the operators to thrive. He said the meeting was convened to generate ideas that would help strengthen the sector and ensure that it contributes meaningfully to the development of the State.

Responding on behalf of the Scrap Dealers Association, Mr. Uwakwe Oke and Mr. Ukachi Emenike appealed to the government to address issues of extortion and other challenges confronting their members. They assured that the association is ready to work closely with the government to build an enabling environment for their business to grow.

OBIOMA CHIDINMA SUCCESS
P.R.O
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT