From Uthman Abubakar, in Maiduguri
Borno State has lost metals, electrical materials and infrastructure worth billions of naira to metals scavengers, the state governor, Prof Babagana Zulum has cried out.
He disclosed this on Saturday while addressing operators. He did not specify the number of billions, saying, however, that the losses which, he argued, were incurred due to the illegal operations of the scavengers, necessitated the state government to slam a ban on the operations several years ago.
To avoid further losses, and to legalise their operations, the governor urged them to submit proposals on how they can continue their businesses without contributing to insecurity or destroying public infrastructure.
Zulum explained that the ban was imposed in the overall interest of the state and not to deprive operators of their livelihood.
He stressed that the government had no personal interest in stopping their businesses, adding that the measure aimed to protect public assets and strengthen security.
Governor Zulum said, “It is deeply concerning to me if one person loses his livelihood for whatever reason in Borno; believe me, there is nothing I stand to gain from banning scrap metal trade rather than addressing the serious security concerns associated with your activities.”
He disclosed: “We spent more than N3 billion to connect an electricity distribution line from Damaturu to Maiduguri, but unfortunately we lost all the wires to the metal scavenging activities.
“Before the ban, hundreds of your members were killed in the process of scavenging for metals in the villages that are not yet safe for civilian activities.”
Zulum disclosed further: “We have security intelligence that even the insurgents use your platforms to sell looted metals. So, no responsible government will ignore such intelligence just to be politically correct.”
He further granted a waiver allowing the operators to evacuate stock accumulated before the ban at selected locations, a move intended to ease the impact of the restriction on genuine businesses. END
