In a bold move to combat the rising theft of public and private property, the Abia State Government has introduced strict new regulations for scavengers and scrap metal dealers, making registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and acquisition of the Abia State Social Identification Number (ABSSIN) compulsory.
The initiative, driven by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Trade and Investment, aims to sanitize the sector and curb criminal activities associated with the trade.
Addressing members of the Scrap Metal Association in Umuahia, Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, expressed deep concern over the theft of critical infrastructure, including manhole covers and school equipment. He emphasized that scrap dealers must now operate strictly within legal boundaries, under close community and government supervision.
Ogbonna outlined the enforcement strategy, which includes registration, monitoring, and collaboration with local communities to track illegal activities and hold violators accountable.
Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, reinforced the message, urging dealers to formalize their operations through CAC registration and ABSSIN acquisition. He called on them to verify the identity and source of materials from scavengers to prevent the sale of stolen items.
Representatives of the Scrap Metal Association, Mr. Chukwudi Onwukaeme and Mr. Okeke Ogwuegbu, welcomed the initiative and pledged full cooperation with the government to rid the industry of criminal elements.
Comments