Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans by his administration to introduce a regulatory framework to monitor and control the activities of scavengers and scrap dealers in the State, as part of efforts to curb vandalism and criminal activities linked to the sector.
According to a press statement signed Chief Press Secretary to Governor Owaen Fred Itua, the Governor Okpebholo made the disclosure on Tuesday when he received the newly posted Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.
The Governor pledged the State Government’s full support to the NSCDC in its ongoing operations to tackle vandalism and safeguard public infrastructure across Edo State.
While condoling with the Corps over the recent death of its former Commandant, Gbenga Agun Joseph, Okpebholo described the loss as a shock, adding that Commandant Ayinla’s familiarity with Edo’s security terrain would enhance the agency’s effectiveness.
Speaking on the rising menace of scavengers and scrap operators, the Governor decried the growing cases of theft and destruction of public and private property linked to their activities. “The way they go about stealing irons, removing and destroying people’s property is not acceptable at all,” Okpebholo said. “We are going to propose a regulatory document in the form of a bill to the House of Assembly. When someone operates, he should know his limits. If they go beyond that, they will be working against the government. We must ensure sanity in their operations.”
The proposed bill, according to the Governor, will establish clear operational boundaries for scavengers and scrap dealers while providing legal backing for enforcement actions against offenders.
Earlier, NSCDC Commandant Ayinla, who officially assumed duty on October 17, 2025, commended Governor Okpebholo for his administration’s consistent support to security agencies through logistics, funding, and operational assistance.
He noted that the scrap and scavenging industry, though economically beneficial, has been increasingly associated with vandalism, including the theft of electric cables, manhole covers, and streetlight poles. “If not properly regulated, these activities could escalate into more severe crimes such as vehicle theft and destruction of public infrastructure,” Ayinla warned.
He disclosed that the NSCDC had commenced a statewide census of scrap markets and scavenging points to establish a comprehensive monitoring and control framework.
Ayinla further urged the State Government to adopt stricter control measures such as:
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Designating specific zones for scrap markets;
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Restricting operational hours for scavengers;
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Mandating registration and licensing of all scrap dealers; and
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Prohibiting the handling of critical infrastructure materials.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with the NSCDC and other security agencies to maintain law and order across Edo State
