Scrap Dealers Declare Two-Week Nationwide Warning Strike From October 1

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has directed its members nationwide to begin a two-week warning strike from October 1, 2026, over what it described as persistent challenges affecting scrap-metal dealers and their businesses.

The association also ordered the suspension of scrap-metal supplies to iron-smelting companies producing iron rods and other steel products during the industrial action.

NASWDEN National President, Comrade Abdulfatah Adisa Ogunwale, issued the directive following complaints over pricing practices, deductions and other issues affecting operators in the scrap-metal industry.

In a statement signed by the association’s spokesman, Stephen Igbowke Azubukwe, and issued in Kano by the Deputy National President, Comrade Aminu Hassan Soja (Sarkin Karafan Kasar Hausa), NASWDEN said the warning strike would run until October 15.

The association warned that the action could continue indefinitely if no satisfactory Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is reached with the affected iron and steel companies.

NASWDEN alleged that some companies frequently reduce scrap-metal prices without adequate notice, exposing dealers who had already purchased and transported materials based on previously agreed prices to significant financial losses.

According to Azubukwe, dealers could lose between ₦3 million and ₦6 million on a single truckload following sudden price reductions.

The association also raised concerns over deductions of between one and five per cent allegedly imposed by some companies under what it described as “extra dust,” saying the practice places an additional financial burden on dealers.

NASWDEN further expressed concern over the growing involvement of foreign operators in the scrap-metal business, alleging that some had established dumpsites and collection centres across the country in ways that disadvantage indigenous dealers.

It also accused some iron and steel companies of purchasing scrap materials from unregistered or uncertified dealers and agents, warning that the practice could facilitate the entry of vandalised public and private property into the scrap-metal supply chain.

The association consequently called for stronger regulation and verification of dealers, agents and collection centres to ensure that scrap materials supplied to the steel industry are obtained through legitimate channels.

Ogunwale urged members to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the warning strike, directing them to avoid confrontation, violence, destruction of property or any action capable of disturbing public peace.

NASWDEN said its objective was to secure a fair and mutually acceptable resolution through dialogue and negotiation.

The association also appealed to relevant government agencies, stakeholders in the iron and steel industry and the public to support constructive engagement aimed at resolving the dispute.