The Niger State House of Assembly has passed a new law aimed at regulating the activities of scavengers, scrap metal dealers, and Panteka operators within residential areas across the state.
The legislation, introduced as a Private Member bill, was approved during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Minna after lawmakers adopted a joint committee report presented by the Committees on Environment and Climate Change, and Judiciary and Legal Matters.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Joint Committees, Mohammed Garba, said the Assembly engaged relevant stakeholders through a public hearing process to address concerns surrounding the proposed law.
Garba explained that the legislation became necessary due to increasing security threats, environmental hazards, and public order issues linked to scavenging activities in residential communities.
According to the committees, the law is designed to improve public safety, safeguard lives and property, and relocate scrap-related operations to designated areas outside residential neighbourhoods.
Lawmakers observed that scavenging activities have been associated with theft and vandalism of public infrastructure, as well as serious health risks. They noted that children exposed to hazardous substances such as lead and mercury face potential neurological damage.
Concerns were also raised over the obstruction of traffic caused by scavengers moving with carts, as well as the broader nuisance posed to residents. The Assembly further warned that such movements could be exploited for criminal surveillance and related activities.
Despite these concerns, the lawmakers acknowledged that the scavenging sector remains a critical source of livelihood for many youths and low-income earners. They emphasized the importance of introducing licensing systems, proper monitoring, and designated operational zones to ensure a balance between regulation and economic survival.
The Speaker of the House, Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, commended the committee and the sponsor of the bill, Murtala Adamu Badaru, for their commitment to addressing the issue.
He subsequently directed that clean copies of the passed law be transmitted to the Executive arm of government for assent.
