The Kano state government has imposed an immediate ban on the importation of scrap and waste materials from northeastern states affected by insurgency, particularly those battling the Boko Haram crisis Amid growing spate of explosions in state,.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, retired Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umaru, during a high-level meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Scraps and Waste Dealers of Nigeria (NASWDEN), held in Kano.
AVM Umaru said the decision followed the recent bomb explosion at a scrap warehouse located along Western Bypass Road and Kofar Ruwa, which claimed several lives and caused significant property damage.
The commissioner warned in a statement that materials coming from conflict-ravaged states posed a major security threat to Kano, as issued by Muhd Idris, the Ministry’s Director of Public Relations and Enlightenment.
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“Kano State will continue to protect your interest and your business, but you must also ensure safety,” Umaru told the scrap dealers.
“You should come up with a written policy and concrete plans that will enhance your business while safeguarding public safety.” He added.
He then urged the association to implement robust screening mechanisms to detect and prevent the transportation of explosive materials disguised as scrap into the state.
In response, NASWDEN’s regional president, Comrade Aminu Hassan—popularly known as Sarkin Karafan Kasar Hausa—revealed that the association had already ceased sourcing materials from insurgency-affected states.
He expressed strong support for the government’s directive and reaffirmed NASWDEN’s commitment to lawful business practices.
Comrade Hassan emphasized the vital role the scrap industry plays in Nigeria’s industrial and employment sectors. “Our industry is the backbone of many manufacturing companies,” he said. “If our business stops, many companies would certainly collapse.”
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He disclosed that over 100,000 registered members of the association operate across Kano’s 44 local government areas, providing direct employment to thousands of youths.
On challenges facing the industry, he lamented the involvement of underage scavengers, attributing the problem to poor parental guidance.
He also acknowledged the presence of rogue actors within the trade involved in vandalism and dealing in stolen goods but stressed that NASWDEN works closely with security agencies to fish out and prosecute such individuals.
Also speaking at the meeting, Alhaji Akilu Hassan Sardaunan Funtua, a member of NASWDEN’s Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Northern Association of Karafa (NAK), assured the commissioner of the association’s readiness to collaborate fully with the state government.
“We will remain vigilant and committed to upholding all safety standards to prevent any future security breaches,” he stated.
