The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has directed its members nationwide to suspend operations from Oct. 1 to protest what it described as persistent irregularities in the scrap-metal industry.
The association’s National President, Abdulfatah Adisa-Ogunwale, on Friday September 25, said the strike would initially run until Oct. 15 and involve the suspension of scrap-metal supplies to iron and steel companies. He said the action could continue indefinitely if no satisfactory agreement was reached with the affected companies.
NASWDEN cited sudden reductions in scrap-metal prices among its major concerns, saying dealers could lose between 3 million naira and 6 million naira on a single truckload following unannounced price adjustments. It also alleged deductions of between one and five per cent under what some companies call “Extra Dust”.
The association further raised concerns over the alleged increasing involvement of foreigners in scrap collection and the purchase of materials from unregistered or uncertified dealers. It said such practices could create difficulties for indigenous operators and potentially encourage the circulation of vandalised public and private property.
NASWDEN called for stronger regulation and verification of dealers, agents and collection centres to ensure that scrap materials supplied to the steel industry were obtained through legitimate channels. It also urged government agencies and industry stakeholders to engage with the association to resolve the grievances and avert prolonged disruption.
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