FG Plans New Rules for Scrap Metal Dealers to Stop Cable and Metal Theft

(President Bola Tinubu. Photo by BBC News)
The Nigerian government is making new rules for people who buy and sell scrap metal.

It is done to stop thieves from stealing public properties like bridges, electrical cables and rail tracks selling them as scrap.

Government is introducing a new draft called the Scrap Metal Regulations 2026 to clean up and track the scrap metal industry.

Minister of Steel Development Shuaibu Audu announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

He said the theft of electricity cables, railway parts and manhole covers is causing losses, service disruptions and higher repair costs.

The minister was represented by Ime Eprikpo at a two day stakeholders' meeting in Lagos to review the draft.

Audu said the aim is not to shut down honest businesses.

The rules would also bring small scrap collectors into the formal system, while putting tighter controls on big processing plants.

He added that scrap is an important raw material for steel makers and could create jobs if handled properly.

The Permanent Secretary, Nura Abba Rimi, said the rules would help protect public and private property and give legitimate businesses and investors more confidence.

The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria called the review a landmark step.

The ministry says it will consider feedback from stakeholders before the rules are finalised.