KANO GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS SCRAP MATERIAL IMPORTS FOLLOWING FATAL EXPLOSION

In response to growing concerns over a recent series of explosions in Kano State, the state government has announced a temporary ban on the importation of scrap and waste materials from northeastern states affected by insurgency, particularly those impacted by Boko Haram.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, retired Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umaru, during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Scraps and Waste Dealers of Nigeria (NASWDEN). He said the move followed a recent deadly explosion at a scrap warehouse near Western Bypass Road and Kofar Ruwa.

According to a statement from the Ministry’s Director of Public Relations and Enlightenment, Muhd Idris, AVM Umaru stated that scrap materials from conflict-ridden states pose a serious security risk and will be restricted from entering Kano until further notice.

“Kano State remains committed to supporting your business interests, but you must develop a written policy and safety plan to strengthen your operations,” Umaru told the dealers. He urged the association to adopt measures for screening scrap materials to prevent smuggling of explosives into the state.

Responding to the directive, NASWDEN’s regional president, Comrade Aminu Hassan (also known as Sarkin Karafan Kasar Hausa), confirmed that the association had already stopped sourcing materials from insurgency-affected states. He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to lawful practices and appealed for government support to sustain the industry.

Hassan emphasized the scrap industry’s importance to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting that many companies rely on recycled materials due to the high cost of new inputs. “If our operations halt, many factories could shut down,” he warned.

He also highlighted the industry’s role in youth employment, with over 100,000 registered members across all 44 local government areas in Kano. While acknowledging issues like underage scavengers and illegal activities by some individuals, he blamed inadequate parental control and stressed the association’s cooperation with security agencies to address such challenges.

Alhaji Akilu Hassan Sardaunan Funtua, a NASWDEN Board of Trustees member and Chairman of NAK, also spoke at the meeting. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to safety and pledged continued collaboration with the Kano State Government to maintain stability and prevent future incidents.

##UTVAFRICA#