The Ebonyi State government has taken a decisive step to address the growing concerns over the activities of scrap dealers with a new executive bill.
The proposed legislation, which has been approved by the State Executive Council, is set to be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for deliberation and passage.
Speaking to journalists on Friday in Abakaliki, the Commissioner for Information, Ikeuwa Omebeh, stated that the bill aims to “checkmate” the excesses of scrap dealers and establish a proper framework for their operations.
The government’s decision follows a series of issues, including theft and environmental degradation, which have been linked to the unregulated activities of some dealers in the state.
Omebeh highlighted that the bill is designed to be comprehensive, addressing “the regulation of the activities of scrap dealers, their excesses and other matters connected thereto.”
He further warned that the proposed legislation would introduce “severe punitive measures against defaulters,” sending a strong message that non-compliance will not be tolerated.