In a bid to expand their businesses, the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to provide them with accessible loans. The association has also urged the government to intervene and stop security agencies from harassing its members during their operations. These calls were made by Aminu Hassan, the Chairman of the association’s Chairmen Forum, during a stakeholders meeting in Abuja.
The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria operates as a registered trade union under the Trade Union Act, Cap. T14, laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. It serves as the umbrella body for individuals engaged in recycling, scrap, and waste business, encompassing scavengers, dissemblers, sorters, processors, converters, and suppliers. With an annual turnover exceeding N1 trillion, the association plays a significant role in the nation’s economy.
Hassan emphasized the pressing need for financial support and protection to enable the association to contribute more effectively to the national economy. He highlighted the challenges faced by the association’s approximately five million members, particularly the harassment they endure from security agents while conveying their products to smelting companies.
Furthermore, the chairman underscored the need for the federal government to intervene in regulating the pricing of their products, expressing dissatisfaction with the unilateral price changes imposed by predominantly foreign-owned companies. He cited instances where products purchased for N500,000 were devalued to N400,000 upon delivery, resulting in significant losses for the suppliers.
Hassan’s plea for government intervention extends to the protection of the association’s business operations and the regulation of pricing by purchasing companies, predominantly owned by foreign entities. It is imperative for the government to address these concerns to safeguard the interests of the association and its members.
The association’s plea for support and fair treatment resonates not only in Abuja but also across the various states in Nigeria, particularly Kano and Lagos, where the scrap and waste industry thrives. The challenges faced by the association underscore the critical need for the government to address the issues faced by this sector, ensuring a fair and conducive business environment for its millions of members.
As the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria amplifies its call for government intervention, it seeks to address the pressing challenges hindering the growth and sustainability of its vast membership across the nation. The urgency of their plea underscores the vital role played by this industry in Nigeria’s economy, warranting immediate attention and support from the government.
