From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has announced introduction of mandatory biometric registration of its members in Kano State.
PEIPLES DAILY reports that the decision followed double explosions at two scrap dump sites in Kano state, which claimed the lives of over five persons and left about 15 injured.
Police also confirmed that the explosions occurred as a result of some Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) imported from Yobe state to a scrap companies in the state.
Speaking at a sensitisation workshop organised for the NASWADEN members in Kano on Thursday, Aminu Hassan Soja, Regional President of the association, said all members would be captured in the registration exercise.
According to him, a database to record the information of all the members would be created, adding that the initiative will help in monitoring compliance, accountability, and promote organized business conduct.
To enforce the registration, Soja, who is the Sarkin Karafan Kasar Hausa, also said NASWDEN has put in place strict disciplinary frameworks to deal with any erring members.
“Any member found to have evade the registration exercise would face suspension or expulsion from the association. We will also report him to relevant law enforcement for prosecution and may seize or close of non-compliant business outlets,” Soja warned.
He said the sensitisation is necessary to curtail the recurrence of the explosions, causes by IEDs being imported from the northeastern states.
He said apart from the sensitisation programme, the association would also launch door-door campaigns to create more awareness on the dangers of importing scrap materials without due diligence.
“To prevent future recurrence of such dangerous incidents, a series of strategic and proactive measures to be taken by the Association, including suspension of scrap importation from high-risk states,” he disclosed.
Soja confirmed that the association had placed a suspension on the importation of scrap and waste goods from Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states-regions currently experiencing insurgency and insecurity.
The decision, he said, is to mitigate the risk of infiltration of harmful materials, especially explosives, through scrutinized scrap transportation.
He also announced temporary suspension of intra-state scrap movement
“The Association has ordered a one-week suspension of the movement of scrap materials within Kano State metropolis.
“This pause in operation will allow us to conduct a wide-reaching public enlightenment campaign and internal audit of scrap activities within the city,” he said.
PEOPLES DAILY reports that the programme was graced by stakeholders and security agents, who delivered lectures on safety measures for the NASWADEN members.
