Writing by Aliyu Lawal; Editing by Abba Bashir.
The Niger State House of Assembly has passed a Private Member Bill to regulate the activities of scavengers and scrap metal dealers operating within residential areas across the state.
The bill was passed during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Minna, following the presentation and adoption of a report by the House Joint Committees on Environment and Climate Change, Judiciary and Legal Matters.
Presenting the report, Joint Committees Chairman Mohammed Garba, member representing Agwara Constituency, said a public hearing was held with relevant stakeholders to gather submissions on the bill.
He explained that the engagement was prompted by growing concerns over security threats, environmental hazards, and public order issues linked to unregulated scavenging and scrap-related activities in residential neighborhoods.
The bill is designed to protect lives and property, enhance public safety, and regulate scrap and Panteka businesses by relocating such activities to designated areas outside residential zones.
The committees also noted that activities of scavengers and scrap dealers have been linked to rising cases of theft and vandalism of both public and private infrastructure.
