Akwa Ibom Assembly Moves To Regulate Scrap Metal Business...to curb theft, environmental hazards and ensure accountability

 

By Eskor Edem

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a bill seeking to regulate the business of scrap metal dealers and similar goods across the state.

The bill, titled “A Law to Regulate the Business of Scrap Metal Dealers and Similar Goods and for Other Matters Connected Thereto,” was sponsored by the Member representing Eket State Constituency, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, with co-sponsorship from six other lawmakers.

The new legislation prohibits any individual or company from engaging in scrap metal business without obtaining a valid licence issued by the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency. It also empowers the agency to monitor, inspect, and where necessary, close down unlicensed scrap sites operating within the state.

According to the provisions of the law, violators risk fines running into millions of naira or jail terms, depending on the severity of the offence. The law also mandates scrap dealers to verify the identity of suppliers, keep proper records of transactions, and display their licences at all business locations.

Presenting the bill on the floor of the House, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey explained that the legislation was necessary to check the rising cases of vandalism of public utilities and environmental degradation caused by the indiscriminate handling of scrap metals.

He added that the law would also help sanitize the sector, protect public infrastructure, and generate revenue for the state through licensing and taxation.

Contributing to the debate, the Chief Whip of the House, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson, alongside members representing Uyo (Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo), Essien Udim ( Prince Ukpong Akpabio), Ibiono Ibom (Hon. Moses Essien), and Etim Ekpo/Ika (Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung), commended Hon. Bassey for the initiative.

The lawmakers unanimously described the bill as timely and necessary, lamenting the economic losses suffered by the State due to the destructive activities of scrap metal dealers. 

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, commended the sponsor and co-sponsors of the bill for their foresight, describing the passage as “a bold step toward protecting government and private property from vandals operating under the guise of scrap metal collection.”

He directed that the Bill be sent to the Committee on Environment for indepth study and to report back on one month.

The House after due deliberation adjourned it's sitting to 14th October 2025.