A security agency in Edo has unveiled plans to regulate scrap dealers in the state from 2026, aiming to strengthen efforts against the vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure.
Mr Saidi Akintayo, State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), announced the plan on Friday in Benin.
Akintayo, who was represented by Deputy Commandant Mr Bola Morantiola, made the announcement during the first state-level stakeholders’ meeting with scrap marketers and dealers.
The commandant said the meeting was convened to address the growing security and economic threats posed by unregulated scrap metal activities.
He said the engagement was aimed at establishing a lawful, transparent and accountable framework for the sector in the state.
According to him, NSCDC is statutorily mandated to protect critical national assets and infrastructure and to regulate activities with security implications, including scrap metal trading.
“In Edo State, the NSCDC has been entrusted with monitoring, regulating and enforcing compliance among scrap dealers to ensure their operations do not threaten public safety, economic development or national security,” he said.
Akintayo said scrap trading had increasingly been linked to the vandalism of electricity installations, telecommunications facilities, rail lines, water infrastructure and other public and private assets.
He said that such acts undermine government investment, disrupt essential services, and endanger lives.
According to him, the corps is adopting a dual approach of sensitisation and enforcement, stressing, however, that awareness and education remain critical to achieving voluntary compliance.
“The engagement is aimed at educating dealers on legal frameworks, proper registration, scrap source documentation, adherence to standards, and the risks of dealing in illicit materials.
“NSCDC remains committed to dialogue and partnership, but we will not hesitate to enforce the law. Illegal scrap dealings will no longer be tolerated,” he stated.
Akintayo said the command would intensify zonal monitoring, inspections, and intelligence-led operations, while enhancing collaboration with other security agencies to identify and prosecute offenders.
“Our objective is to encourage legitimate businesses while eliminating practices that fuel criminality,” he said.
Earlier, Deputy Commandant Suleman Muhammed urged scrap dealers to regulate their operations, particularly night trading, and to ensure that all members were properly profiled, documented, and compliant with legal and safety requirements.
Muhammed, Head of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Protection Department of the corps, warned that anyone found complicit in vandalism would be arrested and prosecuted.
In his response, a representative of the Arewa scrap dealers, Alhaji Sani Muhammed, assured the corps that the message would be relayed to members to ensure compliance with the law.
The meeting attracted key stakeholders, including representatives of the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria and the Heavy Truck Owners, Marketers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria.
Also in attendance were members of the Edo Arewa Scrap and Waste Dealers Association, highlighting broad participation from the state’s scrap and waste sector.
