The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has clarified that the Gombe State government did not impose a total and permanent ban on scrap metal business, popularly known as Bola Jari, in the State contrary to widespread reports.
According to the association, the restriction placed on scrap metal activities in the state was a temporary measure aimed at sanitising the sector and flushing out criminal elements who vandalise public infrastructure under the guise of legitimate scrap trading.
Recall that the ban was announced on Monday by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Zubair Muhammad Umar, shortly after an expanded meeting of the State Security Council (SEC) presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Speaking with journalists last week Thursday, the Deputy National President of NASWDEN, Comrade Aminu Hassan Soja (popularly known as Sarkin Karafan Kasar Hausa), explained that the State government's action was not intended to cripple the livelihoods of genuine scrap dealers but to restore sanity and accountability in the sector.
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"The ban is temporary, not permanent. It is meant to sanitise the scrap business and separate genuine operators from criminals who have been vandalising public infrastructure in the name of scrap trading," Soja stated.
He disclosed that NASWDEN has already taken proactive steps to engage the state government, revealing that a powerful delegation from the association has met with the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to discuss the way forward.
According to him, the engagement has yielded positive results, as a committee has been set up to review the entire process of sanitising the scrap metal trading business, with the ultimate goal of lifting the ban once necessary safeguards were put in place.
The committee is headed by the Gombe State Commissioner of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, Nasiru Muhammad Aliyu, with membership including representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Security Service (DSS), representatives of NASWDEN and other relevant security agencies and stakeholders in the state.
Soja described the development as a welcome move, noting that NASWDEN remained committed to collaborating with government and security agencies to ensure that the scrap metal business is operated within the ambit of the law and contributes positively to the state's economy.
He further appealed to genuine scrap metal dealers in Gombe State to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that the association was working tirelessly to ensure a swift and favourable resolution.
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