Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to introduce strict regulations on the activities of scavengers and scrap dealers across the state in a bid to curb rising cases of theft and vandalism.
The governor made this known on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Edo State, Akintayo Ayinla, at the Government House in Benin City.
Okpebholo expressed concern over the increasing criminal activities linked to scavengers, who he said have been implicated in the theft of metals, public utilities, and private property.
“The way they go about stealing irons and destroying people’s property is not acceptable at all,” he said.
The Governor disclosed that the state government would soon forward a bill to the House of Assembly to regulate scavenging and scrap dealing operations.
According to him, the proposed legislation will define clear boundaries of operation and ensure accountability among operators.
“We are going to propose a regulatory document in the form of a bill to the House of Assembly.
“When somebody is operating, he should know his boundaries. If they go beyond that, they are fighting the government,” Okpebholo stated.
He assured the NSCDC of the state government’s full support in efforts to combat vandalism and restore order.
In his remarks, Commandant Ayinla commended the governor for his continued support of security agencies in the state.
While acknowledging that the scrap and scavenging industry contributes to the economy, he warned that it has also become a major source of criminal activity.
Ayinla disclosed that the NSCDC has begun a census of scrap markets and scavenging points across the state to establish control measures.
He urged the government to designate specific locations for scrap operations and enforce mandatory registration and licensing of operators.
He cautioned that without proper regulation, scavenging activities could escalate into more serious crimes, including vehicle theft and destruction of public infrastructure.
Governor Okpebholo expressed confidence that the collaboration between the state government and the NSCDC will ensure sanity in the sector and end the menace.
