The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has directed its members nationwide to suspend the supply of scrap metals to iron and steel companies beginning October 1, 2026.
The association said the industrial action was in response to what it described as persistent irregularities, alleged unfair practices and financial pressures affecting scrap-metal dealers across the country.
In a statement issued in Kano, NASWDEN Deputy National President, Comrade Alhaji Aminu Hassan Soja, said the action would initially last until October 15, 2026.
He said the association would consider extending the action indefinitely if no satisfactory Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was reached with the affected iron and steel companies.
Among the grievances raised by NASWDEN is the alleged sudden reduction in scrap-metal prices by some companies without adequate notice to dealers.
According to the association, such reductions could result in substantial losses for dealers who had already purchased and transported scrap metals based on previously agreed prices.
NASWDEN claimed that, in some cases, dealers could lose between ₦3 million and ₦6 million on a single truckload following sudden price reductions.
The association also complained about alleged deductions made under what some companies reportedly describe as “extra dust”, saying deductions of between one and five per cent on some transactions placed additional financial pressure on dealers.
NASWDEN further expressed concern over what it described as the increasing involvement of foreigners in the scrap-metal business, alleging that some had established dumpsites and scrap-collection centres in different parts of Nigeria.
The association also alleged that some iron and steel companies purchase scrap metals from unregistered or uncertified dealers and agents.
It said such practices could encourage the circulation of vandalised public and private property within the scrap-metal market and called for stronger regulation and verification of dealers, agents and collection centres.
NASWDEN National President, Comrade Alhaji Abdulfatah Adisa Ogunwale, urged members to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the industrial action.
He directed members to avoid confrontation, violence, destruction of property and any action capable of disrupting public peace.
The association said the objective of the action was to secure a fair and mutually acceptable resolution of the grievances through dialogue and negotiation with the affected iron and steel companies.
NASWDEN also appealed to relevant government agencies, stakeholders in the iron and steel sector and the general public to take note of the planned action and support efforts to resolve the issues through constructive engagement.
