The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has announced a nationwide industrial action scheduled to begin on October 1, citing persistent irregularities and grievances within the scrap metal industry. The association has directed its members to suspend the supply of scrap metals to iron-smelting companies that produce iron rods and other steel products from non-ferrous and scrap materials.
Abdulfatah Adisa-Ogunwale, the National President of NASWDEN, issued the directive in a statement released on Friday in Kano by Deputy National President Alhaji Aminu Hassan-Soja. The association stated that the strike is intended to address what it describes as anomalies affecting dealers and their businesses, with the initial period of action set to run until October 15.
According to the statement, the industrial action will continue indefinitely beyond October 15 if a satisfactory Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is not reached with the affected iron and steel companies. The association highlighted several key concerns, including unannounced reductions in scrap metal prices, which it claims can result in significant financial losses for dealers.
“In some instances, dealers could lose approximately N3 million to N6 million on a single truckload as a result of sudden price reductions,” the statement read. Additionally, NASWDEN alleged that some companies impose deductions ranging from one to five percent on transactions under the label of “Extra Dust,” a practice the association considers an unfair financial burden on its members.
The association also expressed concern over the increasing involvement of foreigners in the scrap-metal business, claiming that some are establishing dumpsites and scrap-collection centres across Nigeria, thereby creating difficulties for indigenous dealers. Furthermore, NASWDEN alleged that some iron companies purchase scrap from unregistered or uncertified agents, a practice it warned could encourage the circulation of vandalised public and private property within the market.
In response to these issues, the association called for greater regulation and verification of scrap dealers, agents, and collection centres to ensure materials entering the steel industry are obtained through legitimate channels. It appealed to relevant government agencies, sector stakeholders, and the general public to support efforts toward resolving these issues through constructive engagement.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
