The Federal Government is taking steps to regulate Nigeria’s scrap metal industry, prevent the theft of public infrastructure and strengthen local steel production.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, said the proposed Scrap Metal Regulations 2026 would create a more organised and transparent system for collecting, trading and recycling scrap metals.
Audu, who was represented by the Director of Metallurgical Raw Material Development and Investment Promotion, Ime Eprikpo, stated this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos.
The Minister said scrap metal is an important raw material for steel production and other manufacturing activities. He noted that proper recycling would reduce waste, create jobs and support local industries.
He, however, warned that poor regulation encourages the theft of electrical cables, railway materials, manhole covers and other public infrastructure.
He said such activities disrupt public services, threaten lives and increase the cost of maintaining government facilities.
Audu explained that the proposed regulations would introduce licences for operators, proper records of transactions and measures to ensure safe collection, handling and recycling of scrap metals.
He stressed that the regulations would not stop legitimate businesses but would help protect genuine operators and prevent the sale of stolen materials.
The Minister, who also said small-scale collectors and traders would be accommodated, with requirements based on the size of their businesses, urged stakeholders to make useful contributions to the draft regulations.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, represented by the Director of Metallurgical Inspectorate and Environmental Protection, Christopher Wanje, said effective regulation was important to building a strong steel industry and supporting local manufacturing.
The National President of the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria, Comrade Ogbu-Luke Uchechukwu, described the engagement as an important step towards organising the scrap metal business.
Similarly, the Director-General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Bariko, represented by Mr. Walter Okoye, said proper regulation would protect the environment and public health while supporting recycling and job creation.
The representative of Kam Steel Integrated Company Limited, Busari Olanrewaju, pledged the company’s support through training for scrap collectors, improved grading methods and investment in modern recycling equipment.
The two-day meeting is aimed at reviewing the draft regulations and gathering stakeholders’ contributions before their finalisation.
