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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Cross River extends scrap metal ban by one month

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The Cross River State Government has extended a ban on all scrap metal activities for one month until August 23, 2026.
  • This measure aims to curb vandalism of public assets, which has allegedly increased under the guise of scrap collection.
  • The government is reviewing laws and policies to strengthen sector regulation and protect legitimate operators while prioritizing public infrastructure.

The Cross River State Government has prolonged its ban on scrap metal activities for an additional month, extending the suspension until August 23, 2026. This decision, announced by Attorney General Ededem Ani, aims to combat the rising tide of vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, activities allegedly linked to scrap collectors.

Further to the Press Release dated the 23rd of February 2026, communicating His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s approval of the suspension of all scrap-related activities, the Cross River State Government hereby notifies the general public that the suspension has been extended for a further period of one (1) month expiring on the 23rd August 2026.

— Cross River State Government StatementAnnouncing the extension of the scrap metal ban.

The initial ban was imposed earlier this year following Governor Bassey Otu's approval on February 23, 2026. The government stated that the extension is necessary to complete a comprehensive review of existing laws, policies, and regulatory frameworks governing the scrap metal sector. This review intends to enhance oversight, identify and support legitimate businesses, and prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the industry.

The objective is to strengthen the regulatory regime, identify and protect legitimate operators, and implement measures that effectively prevent the infiltration of criminal elements into the sector. Government regrets any inconvenience caused to legitimate businesses and law-abiding operators.

— Cross River State Government StatementExplaining the goals of the regulatory review and acknowledging business impact.

While acknowledging the potential inconvenience to lawful operators, the government emphasized that the protection of public infrastructure and the maintenance of public order and security remain its top priorities. It issued a stern warning that any violation of the extended ban will result in strict legal consequences, underscoring that the suspension is fully in force.

The protection of public infrastructure, the preservation of public order and security remain paramount.

— Cross River State Government StatementReiterating the government's priorities despite the ban's impact.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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