Scrap dealers begin 15-day nationwide strike

The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers and Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has begun a 15-day nationwide warning strike due to allegations of unfair pricing, scale manipulation, and substandard iron rod production by certain foreign-owned steel companies. The strike started on October 1 and will halt scrap supply to these companies across Nigeria.

NASWDEN's Deputy National President, Comrade Aminu Hassan Soja, announced the strike during a press conference. He warned that the association could extend the strike indefinitely if no agreement is reached with the companies or the Federal Government during the warning period. Soja stated that some foreign-owned iron-smelting companies have been reducing the prices they pay for scrap metal, resulting in losses of N3 million to N4 million per truckload.

He alleged that the companies have not provided satisfactory explanations for the frequent price reductions. Additionally, Soja accused the companies of manipulating weighing scales, claiming that dealers could receive payment based on lower weights for a tonne of scrap. The association also accused some companies of producing substandard iron rods by manipulating the sizes and quantities of materials used in production.

Another issue raised was the "extra dose" deduction, where amounts between one and five percent are taken from scrap weight allegedly due to impurities. Soja criticized foreign companies for opening scrap collection points and dump sites, which he said are displacing indigenous scrap dealers. He emphasized that the association has complained to relevant government departments but has not seen resolution.

NASWDEN seeks government intervention to formalize the informal scrap industry and provide financial support for indigenous operators to establish and expand their businesses.