A/Ibom Assembly Passes Bill Criminalising Illegal Scrap Metal Business

Following widespread vandalisation of public assets in schools, homes and other public utilities, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a Bill seeking to effectively regulate the menace pose by illegal activities of scrap metal dealers across the State.

LEADERSHIP learnt the resolution to give legal teeth to Bill followed the consideration of a report by the House’s committee on environment.

The Bill, which was passed after clause-by-clause considerations, was sponsored by the member representing Okobo State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey.

Presenting the report during plenary, Bassey, expected that the proposed law prescribes a code of conduct for scrap metal business, effectively bringing the trade within the regulatory framework of government.

According to the lawmaker, the Bill, when fully operational, would reduce the rate of petty crimes, particularly theft and vandalism of public properties, while also ensuring orderliness, accountability and transparency in the scrap metal business.

Besides, the Okobo lawmaker noted that the legislation would generate revenue for the State government.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong (Abak), who presided over the plenary session, commended the committee for what he described as “a thorough job on the Bill,” and subsequently directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikakabasi Orok, to transmit the Bill to the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for assent.