News
NASWDEN backs FG’s move to regulate scrap metal trade, raises alarm over attacks on members
Ibrahim Khalil
The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has expressed support for the Federal Government’s proposed licensing and regulation of the scrap metal industry, saying the initiative will help curb theft, vandalism and the destruction of critical national infrastructure.
KANO FOCUS reports that the association’s National President, Alhaji Fatai Ogunwale, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
Ogunwale spoke at a two-day stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos organised by the Federal Ministry of Steel Development to validate the proposed Scrap Metal Collection, Trading, Recycling and Regulations 2026.
He said the proposed framework was aimed at addressing the activities of individuals who engage in the illegal removal of metals and vandalism of critical infrastructure, including electricity cables, railway components and manhole covers.
The NASWDEN president commended the Federal Government for the initiative but cautioned against multiple taxation of scrap metal dealers transporting materials to end-users and rolling mills across the country.
He also appealed to the government to address the alleged harassment and extortion of association members by touts operating along major highways while carrying out their legitimate businesses.
Ogunwale disclosed that NASWDEN had earlier launched an anti-vandalism campaign and was working with security agencies to protect critical national infrastructure and other national assets.
He said the association had also introduced loading inspection confirmation clearance documents for its members to help prevent theft and vandalism by criminals disguising themselves as scrap dealers.
In his remarks, the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, said the proposed regulatory framework would establish an organised and transparent scrap metal value chain in the country.
Audu, who was represented by the Director of Metallurgical Raw Materials Development and Investment Promotion in the ministry, Mr Ime Eprikpo, said the regulations were expected to improve the supply of locally sourced raw materials to steel manufacturing companies.
He added that the framework would formalise the activities of scrap dealers and strengthen environmental and occupational safety standards.
Also speaking, NASWDEN’s Deputy National President, Comrade Aminu Hassan Soja, called on the Federal Government to urgently investigate alleged attacks on members of the association by an individual identified as Uche Ogbu Luke.
Soja alleged that Luke was an impostor who used armed thugs to intimidate and extort scrap dealers operating along highways in the South-East and South-South regions.
“We call on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and put an end to the activities of one Uche Ogbu Luke, whom we allege is using armed thugs to intimidate and extort scrap dealers along highways across the South-East and South-South regions,” he said.
He urged relevant security agencies to investigate the allegations, apprehend those found culpable and protect scrap dealers from harassment, intimidation and unlawful extortion.
Headlines
Barau FC engages security expert Jamilu Uba Adamu to strengthen matchday safety ahead of NPFL fixtures
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Barau Football Club has engaged a certified football security and safeguarding officer, Jamilu Uba Adamu, to strengthen its security arrangements ahead of upcoming Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixtures.
KANO FOCUS reports that the club said the move was aimed at improving stadium safety, crowd management and the protection of players, match officials, supporters and other stakeholders during matchdays.
Adamu brings more than 15 years of experience in stadium safety, crowd management and safeguarding, according to a statement issued by the club’s media team.
The club explained that the decision followed a review of its existing security arrangements, which identified the need to strengthen security systems, improve crowd control and ensure the proper deployment of stewards at strategic locations within and around the stadium.
It said Adamu would provide professional guidance, technical expertise and effective security strategies to enhance safety during its home matches.
The club added that the initiative reflected its commitment to providing a safe, secure and well-organised matchday environment in line with NPFL standards and best practices.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Hajiya Binta Ibrahim, mother of former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, has died at the age of 91.
KANO FOCUS reports that she died on Friday, after a protracted illness.
Abbas Ibrahim was the Labour Party’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 Kano State governorship election.
Among the deceased’s surviving children are Salamatu Saminu, a retired director in the Kano State Government, Halima Ibrahim and Comrade Abbas Ibrahim.
The funeral prayer is scheduled to hold on Friday at Sahaba, Kundila, immediately after the Juma’at prayer.
May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort the family she left behind.
Use a neutral newspaper endingTighten the surviving-family paragraphFix the headline’s wording
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commissioned a Quick Response Squad of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, alongside operational equipment worth hundreds of millions of naira, as part of efforts to intensify the fight against drug abuse, thuggery and illicit trafficking.
KANO FOCUS reports that the commissioning took place on Thursday, marking another step in the state government’s efforts to tackle substance abuse through enforcement, rapid response, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration of affected persons into society.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gov Yusuf expressed satisfaction with what he described as progress recorded in the fight against drug abuse across the state.
“I am the happiest man in Kano today as we continue to push drug abuse down to the barest minimum,” he said.
The governor said the newly established squad would strengthen the operational capacity of the task force by enabling it to respond promptly to reports, drug-related incidents and emerging threats associated with illicit trafficking.
He explained that the provision of operational equipment was part of his administration’s commitment to equipping relevant agencies with the necessary tools to address the drug menace.
Gov Yusuf, however, stressed that the campaign should go beyond arrest and prosecution, noting that rehabilitated persons must be given opportunities to acquire skills and engage in legitimate economic activities.
He said the government would sustain skills acquisition and apprenticeship programmes to keep rehabilitated persons meaningfully engaged and reduce the risk of relapse into drug use and other criminal activities.
The governor commended the chairman and members of the task force for their dedication and commitment, saying the achievements recorded within a relatively short period demonstrated the importance of collaboration among government agencies and other stakeholders.
Accompanied by the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Ismaila Falgore, and other senior government officials, Gov Yusuf inspected the newly commissioned facility and the equipment procured for the task force.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Barr Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said the Quick Response Squad and the newly acquired equipment would enhance the agency’s capacity to respond effectively to drug-related challenges.
He reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustaining its operations against substance abuse and illicit trafficking, assuring the governor that it would not relent in carrying out its mandate.
Barr Rimin Gado expressed appreciation to the governor for providing political and operational support, which he said had strengthened the task force’s activities.
He noted that tackling drug abuse required collective responsibility, involving government institutions, security and regulatory agencies, traditional and religious leaders, parents, communities and educational institutions.
The chairman pledged that the task force would sustain its preventive, enforcement, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes while strengthening collaboration with relevant stakeholders to reduce substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.
NASWDEN backs FG’s move to regulate scrap metal trade, raises alarm over attacks on members
Barau FC engages security expert Jamilu Uba Adamu to strengthen matchday safety ahead of NPFL fixtures
From the Governor’s Voice to Kano’s Information Vanguard: Why Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa Is the Right Choice
Mother of former Kano NUJ chairman Abbas Ibrahim dies at 91
Kano commissions Quick Response Squad to tackle drug abuse, thuggery
Indonesian scholar proposes waqf model to reform almajiri education in Nigeria
Governor Yusuf swears in six commissioners, three advisers, 19 permanent secretaries
Veteran NTA manager Dahiru Biso loses wife at 58
Two suspected bandits killed, N10m ransom recovered in Kano
