KEY POINTS
- Edo scavenger regulation bill targets theft and vandalism.
- State partners NSCDC to monitor scrap dealers.
- Bill to ensure licensing and stricter control of operations.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced plans to regulate scavengers and scrap dealers across the state as part of efforts to tackle rising cases of vandalism and theft.
Okpebholo disclosed this when he received the new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo Command, Akintayo Ayinla, in his office in Benin. He said he would soon send a bill to that effect to the State House of Assembly.
Scavenger regulation bill
The governor described the activities of some scavengers as increasingly criminal, citing frequent theft of iron rods and public infrastructure. “The way they go about stealing and destroying property is not acceptable at all,” Okpebholo said, adding that the government would work closely with the NSCDC to enforce order.
He also pledged support to the corps in addressing vandalism linked to scrap operations and extended condolences over the death of former Commandant Gbenga Joseph.
NSCDC backs regulation bill
The new NSCDC Commandant, Ayinla, welcomed the governor’s initiative, noting the corps had begun a census of scrap markets and scavenging points to establish a monitoring framework.
He urged the government to introduce stricter measures such as designating regulated scrap zones, enforcing registration, and restricting materials linked to public infrastructure to prevent further vandalism.
According to him, the proposed Edo scavenger regulation bill would help reduce crimes associated with scrap trading while improving collaboration between the state and security agencies.
