Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has declared its readiness to take decisive action against Chinese-owned steel company, Inner Galaxy, over what it described as massive exploitation, unfair pricing, and continuous violation of labour laws across Gombe State and other parts of the country.
The resolution was reached on Wednesday during the association’s Northeast Zonal meeting held in Gombe, where members unanimously decried the alleged bankrupting and shortchanging of scrap dealers by the foreign company.
The meeting also officially affirmed Alhaji Abdullahi Gombe as the authentic Chairman of NASWDEN in Gombe State, putting to rest the prolonged leadership tussle that had threatened the unity of the association.
Speaking to Truth Live News, NASWDEN Deputy National President, Comrade Aminu Hassan Soja (popularly known as Sarkin Karafan Kasar Hausa), charged members to remain united in sanitizing the scrap industry and restoring its credibility nationwide. He warned scrap dealers against purchasing stolen or vandalized public assets, stressing that such practices tarnish the association’s reputation and undermine national security.
Comrade Aminu further directed all State Task Forces to enforce compliance with NASWDEN’s operational rules, adding that erring members must face appropriate penalties. He also opened the floor for deliberations on the growing grievances against Inner Galaxy.
During the heated discussion, several members proposed a total boycott and eventual shutdown of dealings with the company, while others suggested temporary sanctions until Inner Galaxy meets the conditions set by the association.
Addressing the concerns, Sardaunan Funtua and Deputy Chairman NASWADEN Founding Father, Alhaji Akilu Hassan, assured members that their complaints would be thoroughly addressed. He pledged that “drastic measures will be taken to end the exploitative operations of Inner Galaxy in Nigeria.”
Similarly, Chairman of Scrap Agents, Alhaji Shehu Plastic, threw his weight behind NASWDEN’s stance, stressing that the association cannot fold its arms while its members suffer continuous exploitation.
All Chairmen of NASWDEN from the six Northeastern states—Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, and Taraba—unanimously supported the motion to boycott Inner Galaxy and begin the search for a reliable alternative steel company willing to engage in fair business practices.
A scrap dealer in Gombe, Malan Mustapha told Truth Live News that;
“Inner Galaxy has been exploiting us for years. When we supply 10 tonnes, they record about 8 tonnes. It is painful because we lose money on every trip, yet they act like nothing is wrong.”
In another complaint, a Scrap Transporter in Gombe Metropolis Alh Ali Usman revealed that;
“They even accept steel that is less than one tonne in weight but still manipulate the scale. We have complained several times, but they refuse to change their dishonest practices
Also testifying, a NASWDEN Member Abdullahi said;
“The company has a habit of reducing our weight artificially. You carry 10 tonnes from here, but when you reach their gate, they tell you it is around 8.5 tonnes. That difference is our sweat and fuel lost.”
A Senior Dealer, NASWDEN Northeast Zone Alh Sambo explained that;
“This shortchanging is not only happening in Gombe; members in Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara face the same exploitation. It is a coordinated cheating system, and we want federal action.”
A Scrap Yard Owner, Alh Bala Tahir in Gombe revealed that;
“Their activities are killing our businesses. A company that reduces weight and ignores labour laws cannot claim to be a partner. This is pure exploitation.”
