Don’t let us be a cover for government’s failures, scrap dealers address Governor Zulum’s claims of the theft of cables worth N3 billion

The National Association of Nigerian Scrap and Waste Goods Dealers Entrepreneurs (NASWDEN) has reacted to claims by the Zamfara State government that scrap dealers damaged and stole cables worth N3 billion naira earmarked for a power project in the state.

The group challenged the state governor, Babagana Zulum to provide evidence linking scrap metal scavengers to the alleged theft of electricity cables worth N3 billion in the state.

The reaction follows Zulum’s recent ban on the scrap metal trade in Borno due to security concerns, including allegations that scavengers stole cables intended for the Damaturu–Maiduguri power line.

National Vice President of NASWDEN, Aminu Hassan Soja, made the claim in a statement describing the allegations against second-hand goods dealers as unfair and not supported by credible evidence.

Soja called on the state government to reveal details of the affected projects, including the contractors responsible, when the cables were supplied and installed, and when the alleged theft occurred.

He also questioned the allegations, as scrap metal activities had been banned in Borno for more than three years.

“Governor Zulum should not make second-hand goods traders a scapegoat to hide the government’s failure to provide basic social facilities and infrastructure. You cannot accuse an entire industry without providing credible evidence,” he said.

NASWDEN is urging the state government to identify and prosecute those responsible for the alleged theft rather than making sweeping accusations against second-hand dealers.