Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to regulate the activities of scavengers and scrap dealers across the state, in a bid to curb rising cases of vandalism and theft of public infrastructure.
Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the newly deployed Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akintayo Ayinla, the governor described the situation as alarming and called for immediate action.
“The way they go about stealing iron and destroying people’s property is completely unacceptable,” Okpebholo said, pledging full support to security agencies in tackling the issue.
He also revealed that the state government was preparing a legislative proposal for the Edo State House of Assembly to formalise regulations for the sector.
The proposed bill, he noted, would define clear boundaries for scavengers and scrap traders, commonly referred to locally as iron condemn operators.
“If anyone goes beyond those boundaries, they’re not just breaking the law, they’re fighting the government,” the governor stated.
Governor Okpebholo expressed confidence that the collaboration between the state government and NSCDC would ensure a safer and more orderly environment.
On his part, Commandant Ayinla welcomed the governor’s initiative, noting that while the scrap industry contributes economically, it has also become a breeding ground for criminality and vandalism.
He disclosed that the NSCDC had already commenced a census of scrap dealers and scavenging locations across the state as part of efforts to tighten oversight.
Ayinla also recommended the designation of approved zones for scrap activities, with mandatory registration and licensing for all operators.
He warned that without proper regulation, scrap operations could escalate into more serious crimes such as vehicle theft and the destruction of critical infrastructure.
