The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria, NASWDEN, has challenged Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum to provide evidence linking scrap metal scavengers to the alleged theft of electrical cables worth N3 billion in the state.
The reaction follows Zulum’s recent ban on scrap metal trading in Borno over security concerns, including allegations that scavengers stole cables meant for the Damaturu–Maiduguri electricity line.
NASWDEN’s Deputy National President, Aminu Hassan Soja, made the demand in a statement on Sunday, describing the allegation against scrap dealers as unfair and unsupported by credible evidence.
Soja asked the state government to disclose details of the affected project, including the contractor responsible, when the cables were supplied and installed, and when the alleged theft occurred.
He also questioned the allegation, noting that scrap metal activities had been prohibited in Borno for more than three years.
“Governor Zulum must not use scrap dealers as scapegoats to conceal the government’s failures in providing basic social amenities and infrastructure. You cannot accuse an entire industry without presenting credible evidence,” he said.
NASWDEN urged the state government to identify and prosecute those responsible for the alleged theft rather than make blanket accusations against scrap dealers.
Borno: Scrap dealers challenge Zulum over alleged N3bn cable theft