Niger State Government Cracks Down on Scrap Dealers, Bans Under-18s from Picking Scrap
Minna, Nigeria – In a move aimed at curbing vandalism and promoting accountability in the scrap trade, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has directed all scrap and waste dealers across the state to register with the government. This directive forms part of a broader effort by the state government to sanitise the sector and ensure it operates within the confines of the law.
Governor Bago emphasized that the new policy is necessary to combat the increasing cases of infrastructure vandalism linked to unregulated scrap activities. “We will no longer tolerate illegal operations under the guise of scrap collection,” the governor stated during a public address. “All dealers must now be known, documented, and regulated.”
In addition to the mandatory registration, the state government has officially banned individuals under the age of 18 from engaging in scrap picking. Authorities say this measure is designed to protect minors from exploitation and to reduce the number of unsupervised youths involved in the informal waste sector.
The new regulations are expected to be enforced by local government councils and relevant security agencies. Offenders, including non-compliant dealers and parents who allow minors to engage in scrap collection, may face prosecution.
Stakeholders in the waste and recycling industry are being urged to cooperate with the government to ensure the smooth implementation of the policy. The government also announced plans to engage with registered dealers and provide them with guidelines for safe and legal operations.
The move has received mixed reactions from residents. While some applaud the decision as a step in the right direction, others express concern over its potential impact on livelihoods, especially for low-income families who rely on scrap picking for survival.
Despite the concerns, the Niger State government remains firm in its resolve to reform the sector and enhance public safety and infrastructure protection.
The government has not yet provided a deadline for registration but assured that a sensitisation campaign will commence shortly to educate the public and dealers on the new requirements.
