The Nigerian federal government has announced plans to regulate the scrap metal value chain to protect national infrastructure. Minister Kasim Sumaina in Abuja emphasized the need for stakeholders to validate the draft regulations set for 2026. The initiative aims to sanitize the scrap metal industry, which has been linked to illegal activities and threats to public safety.
The proposed regulations will require all scrap metal traders to register with the government, ensuring transparency and accountability in the sector. This move comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of scrap metal for illicit purposes, including the production of illegal firearms and the undermining of economic stability. The government has also warned that unregulated scrap metal trade poses a risk to critical infrastructure such as power plants and transportation networks.
This effort follows years of calls from industry experts and lawmakers to bring the scrap metal sector under stricter oversight. Previous attempts to regulate the industry have faced challenges due to lack of enforcement and widespread non-compliance. The new draft regulations aim to address these issues by introducing stricter penalties for violations and promoting collaboration between government agencies and private sector players. The final regulations are expected to be enacted by 2026, marking a significant step toward improving the country’s resource management and security framework.
