Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The Kano State government has prohibited the importation of scrap materials from northeastern states following recent explosions, citing security concerns related to Boko Haram insurgency in those regions.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, retired Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umaru, announced the temporary ban specifically targeting waste materials originating from conflict-affected northeastern states.
AVM Umaru delivered this directive during discussions with leaders of the National Association of Scraps and Waste Dealers of Nigeria (NASWDEN).
According to the ministry’s spokesperson Muhd Idris, the decision follows a deadly explosion at a scrap warehouse near Western Bypass Road and Kofar Ruwa that caused significant casualties and property damage.
The commissioner urged scrap dealers to implement safety protocols ensuring explosives free materials before any future imports into Kano.
“While protecting your business interests, we expect you to develop comprehensive written policies and operational plans,” Umaru told the dealers.
NASWDEN’s regional president, Comrade Aminu Hassan, informed officials they had already voluntarily stopped purchasing materials from insurgency affected northeastern states.
Hassan pledged continued lawful operations and requested government support to enhance their business operations.
He noted the association’s legal establishment under 2004 Trade Union laws and regulation by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity.
Hassan emphasized the industry’s critical role, explaining that many manufacturers rely exclusively on recycled materials they couldn’t otherwise afford, warning of potential industry collapse without scrap supplies.
While acknowledging occasional member misconduct like property vandalism, Hassan highlighted the association’s cooperation in apprehending and prosecuting offenders.
Board of Trustees of the association Alhaji Akilu Hassan Sardaunan Funtua emphasized partnership with the Kano government for economic stability and promised continued efforts to prevent future explosive incidents.