By Mercy Peter
The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has inaugurated newly elected state and regional executives across 19 northern states, a move aimed at strengthening regulation within the sector and enhancing collaboration with security agencies to curb vandalism.
Speaking during a press briefing at the association’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the National President, Pastor Engineer OGbu Uchechukwu, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the association’s efforts to professionalize the scrap and waste management industry nationwide.
According to Uchechukwu, the gathering brought together members from across the country to formally establish a “formidable executive structure” in the northern region.
He noted that the initiative would improve coordination, accountability, and compliance with industry standards.
Uchechukwu emphasized that the primary aim of the association is to oversee the activities of scrap dealers and ensure that members operate within the bounds of the law.
He stated that NASWDEN is committed to working closely with security agencies to minimize the incidence of vandalism, particularly the theft of critical national infrastructure such as railway tracks, government installations, and private property.
“The association is determined to ensure that our members do not engage in illegal activities by purchasing stolen items. We are collaborating with security agencies across the country to reduce vandalism to the barest minimum,” he said.
The NASWDEN president recalled the launch of “Operation Say No to Vandals” in Abuja in 2024. The initiative, supported by the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), established a task force mandated to monitor scrap-loading activities nationwide.
He explained that the task force supervises loading points to ensure that only legitimate materials are transported to end-user companies. Following successful verification, dealers are issued a clearance certificate by the state chairman and monitoring team to confirm the authenticity of the materials.
“If any member is found loading stolen government or individual property, the task force immediately hands the suspect over to security agents for proper investigation and prosecution,” Uchechukwu added.
Uchechukwu also underscored the sector’s vital role in Nigeria’s economic development. He noted that scrap materials serve as essential raw inputs for the production of reinforcement rods and other construction materials used in infrastructure development.
“Without scrap materials sourced by our members from mechanics and industries, the production of reinforcement rods such as 6mm, 8mm, 12mm, and 16mm would be difficult. These materials are also processed into iron billets, some of which are exported, contributing to national revenue and industrial growth,” he explained.
The NASWDEN president acknowledged the negative perception often associated with scrap dealers, who are sometimes labeled as criminals or vandals. He stressed that the association is actively working to change this narrative through stricter internal regulations and enhanced monitoring mechanisms.
“In the past, scrap dealers were often tagged as hoodlums. Through our reforms and collaboration with security agencies, we are determined to reposition the industry as a legitimate and essential contributor to the economy,” he said.
Uchechukwu appealed to the Federal Government for increased support to address challenges facing the sector, particularly fraudulent practices by some end-user companies. He alleged that certain companies manipulate weighing scales, leading to significant financial losses for dealers.
“Some of our members purchase 20 to 50 tonnes of scrap, but when the materials are weighed at end-user companies, they lose between two and three tonnes due to the use of fake scales. This has forced many of our members out of business,” he lamented.
He urged the government to regulate the weighing processes of end-user companies and provide financial and institutional support to sustain the industry.
