The Edo State Government has unveiled plans to regulate the activities of scavengers and scrap dealers across the state as part of efforts to curb rising cases of vandalism, theft, and destruction of public infrastructure.
Governor Monday Okpebholo made this known on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, Commandant Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, at the Government House in Benin City.
The governor expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of criminal acts associated with scrap and scavenging operations, particularly the theft of metals, electric cables, streetlight poles, and other public facilities.
“The way some of these scavengers go about stealing irons and destroying people’s property is not acceptable at all,” Governor Okpebholo said. “We are working on a bill that will be sent to the State House of Assembly to regulate their operations. Everyone must know their limits. Once they go beyond that, they are no longer engaging in legitimate business—they are breaking the law.”
He explained that the proposed bill will set clear guidelines for scavengers and scrap dealers, including operational boundaries, licensing procedures, and penalties for offenders. The aim, he said, is to sanitize the sector and protect both private and public properties from further destruction.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in the state, especially in tackling crimes related to vandalism and sabotage. He assured the NSCDC of continued government collaboration, including logistical and moral support to strengthen their operations.
The governor also took a moment to condole with the NSCDC over the passing of the late State Commandant, Gbenga Agun Joseph, describing his death as a painful loss. He welcomed Commandant Ayinla back to Edo, noting that his previous experience in the state would aid effective policing and understanding of local challenges.
In his remarks, Commandant Ayinla commended the Okpebholo-led administration for its consistent support to security agencies through the provision of operational vehicles, financial aid, and other resources.
He identified the scrap and scavenging sector as one of the major sources of concern for the Corps, citing a surge in cases of vandalism linked to operators in the industry.
“While scavenging and scrap trading contribute to economic activities, their unregulated operations have become a serious security issue,” Ayinla said. “We have recorded several cases involving the theft of electric cables, manhole covers, and other government installations under the guise of scrap collection.”
The NSCDC, according to him, has begun a comprehensive census of scrap markets and scavenging points across Edo State to build a database that will guide future monitoring and enforcement efforts.
Commandant Ayinla further appealed to the state government to introduce measures such as designating specific zones for scrap markets, restricting operational hours, enforcing registration and licensing of scrap dealers, and prohibiting unauthorized handling of critical infrastructure materials.
He emphasized that such steps, combined with strong inter-agency collaboration, would drastically reduce vandalism and protect essential public assets.
With the planned regulatory bill and renewed partnership between the Edo State Government and the NSCDC, residents and observers believe the move could mark a major step toward restoring order and accountability in the scrap and scavenging sector.
