Borno inaugurates c’ttee to review ban on metal scrap dealers

Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, has inaugurated a committee to review the ban on metal scavenging with a view to sanitise the business in Borno State. The governor banned scrap metal scavenging in July last year, accusing those involved in the business  of causing substantial damage to both public and private properties. Represented […]

Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, has inaugurated a committee to review the ban on metal scavenging with a view to sanitise the business in Borno State.

The governor banned scrap metal scavenging in July last year, accusing those involved in the business  of causing substantial damage to both public and private properties.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Bukar Tijjani, Zulum gave the committee four weeks to complete its assignment and submit its recommendations to him through the SSG.

He noted that despite the “illegalities” associated with the scrap metal scavenging activities, the business provides livelihood to thousands of youths.

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“The committee has the following terms of reference to review the activities of metal scavenging between the time of the ban to date with a view to knowing their compliance or otherwise, and its economic impact on their members.

“To look into the impact, desirability or otherwise of lifting the ban, to examine and recommend ways and means of scrap metal trade in an honest businesslike manner in Borno State.

“Any other matter dimed Jermaine for the success of the committee’s assignment,” he said.

He said the chairman of the scrap metal sales and marketing in Borno State, and other action Associations are part of the committee to look into the issue properly.

“And his Excellency can be advised appropriately to see that the scrap metal business in Borno, either continue with lots of modifications to bring in honesty and legitimacy or otherwise,” he said.

He congratulate them for being found worthy by the governor to entrust the committee to them, while assuring them the governor will act on their recommendation with seriousness.

The committee is chaired by Alhaji Nasiru Ali Surundi, with membership cutting across the ministries of Justice; Trade, investment and tourism; Information and internal security; Local Government and Emirate Affairs.

Others are the representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, DSS, and the chairman of Metal Dealers Association of Borno.

Earlier this year, the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers’ Employers of Nigeria appealed to the Borno State government to lift the ban, saying over 300,000 people lost their livelihoods.