By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved the formation of a committee to review the ban on metal scavenging activities in the state.
The ban, initially imposed by Governor Zulum in July 2023, aimed to protect scavengers from the dangers posed by Boko Haram insurgents.
In a statement released on Saturday by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, the committee is composed of 14 members. These include:
– Alhaji Nasiru Ali Surundi (Chairman)
– Representatives from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, NSCDC, and DSS
– Members from the Ministries of Justice, Trade and Investment, Tourism, Information, Internal Security, Sports, Youth Empowerment, Poverty Alleviation, and Local Government and Emirates Affairs
– The Association of Metal Scavengers (Borno State Chapter)
– Engr. Habib Modu Abadam
– CSP Hussaini Bulama (Rtd)
– Office of the SSG (Member/Secretary)
The statement highlighted that, despite the challenges associated with metal scavenging, Governor Zulum recognized the significant livelihood it provides for the youth. He therefore approved the committee to develop a framework to sanitize the scavenging business in Borno State.