Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has directed its members nationwide to embark on a two-week warning strike with effect from October 1, 2026, over what it described as persistent anomalies, irregularities and unresolved grievances affecting scrap-metal dealers and their businesses.
The association also ordered its members to suspend the supply of scrap metals to iron-smelting and steel companies producing iron rods and other steel products from non-ferrous and scrap metals during the period of the industrial action.
The directive was issued by the National President of NASWDEN, Abdulfatah Ogunwale, while the association’s spokesman, Stephen Azubukwe, announced the decision in a statement issued in Kano by the Deputy National President, Aminu Hassan Soja, popularly known as Sarkin Karafan Kasar Hausa.
According to the statement, the warning strike will commence on October 1 and run through October 15, 2026. NASWDEN, however, warned that the action could be extended indefinitely if no satisfactory Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is reached with the affected iron and steel companies.
The association said one of its major grievances was the alleged practice by some iron and steel companies of repeatedly reducing the prices of scrap metals without adequate prior notice to dealers.
NASWDEN maintained that sudden price adjustments could expose dealers who had already purchased and transported large quantities of scrap based on previously agreed prices to substantial financial losses.
Azubukwe alleged that, in some cases, dealers could lose between N3 million and N6 million on a single truckload of scrap following an unexpected reduction in the purchasing price.
The association also raised concerns over deductions allegedly imposed by some companies under what it described as “extra dust”.
According to NASWDEN, the deductions reportedly range from one per cent to five per cent, adding another financial burden to scrap-metal dealers.
Another issue issue raised by the association was what it described as the growing involvement of foreigners in Nigeria’s scrap-metal business.
NASWDEN alleged that some foreign nationals were establishing dumpsites and scrap-collection centres in different parts of the country, a development it said was creating increasing difficulties for indigenous Nigerian scrap dealers operating in the sector.
The association further alleged that some iron companies purchase scrap metals from unregistered or uncertified agents and dealers.
It expressed concern that such practices could facilitate the movement of vandalised public and private property into the scrap-metal market.
To address the situation, NASWDEN called for stronger regulation, verification and certification of scrap dealers, agents and collection centres to ensure that materials supplied to the steel industry were sourced through legitimate channels.
While announcing the industrial action, Ogunwale urged members of the association to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the period of the warning strike.
He directed members to maintain law and order and refrain from confrontation, violence, destruction of property or any conduct capable of threatening public peace.
The association said the strike was intended to draw attention to the grievances of scrap-metal dealers and push for a fair and mutually acceptable resolution through dialogue and negotiation with the affected iron and steel companies.
NASWDEN also appealed to relevant government agencies, stakeholders in the iron and steel sector and members of the public to take note of the planned industrial action and support efforts aimed at resolving the dispute through constructive engagement.
