The National Association of Scraps and Waste Dealers and Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has expressed disappointment over the federal government's inaction, leading to an ongoing nationwide strike. According to the union, previous attempts to resolve the issue through correspondence were ignored. The strike, which began on Thursday, October 1, 2026, has been necessitated by the government's failure to address the scrap dealers' demands. The union noted that the government's insensitivity has left them with no choice but to embark on the strike.
The General Secretary of Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSSAN), Comrade John Odigie, stated that the government's inability to generate raw materials, such as billets, has forced most steel industries to rely on scrap metal. He emphasized that if the government was serious about reviving the steel industry, they would not have to depend on scrap metal. Odigie noted that the government's inaction has led to the current state of the steel industry, which is struggling to survive.
The ongoing strike is expected to have far-reaching consequences on various industries that rely on scrap metal. Small and big industries that use scrap metal will be forced to shut down, while construction companies, which rely heavily on iron and steel, will also be affected. Odigie lamented that the government seems not to care about the survival of any sector, stating that they are indifferent to the plight of the industries.
Scrap recycling has become a crucial aspect of the steel industry, as it has been sustaining the sector in the absence of government support. According to Odigie, the Nigerian steel sector relies heavily on the recycling of scrap steel, which is obtained mostly from scrap. Despite Nigeria's abundant iron ore deposits and other natural resources, the steel industry is in a dwindling state.
The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria had previously appealed to the federal government for soft loans to expand their business. However, the appeal was ignored, leading to the nationwide strike. The union is demanding that the government provide them with the necessary support to sustain their businesses.
The strike has significant implications for the country's economy, as the steel industry is a critical sector that contributes to the nation's growth. The industry's decline has resulted in job losses and a reliance on imported steel products. The union is calling on the government to take urgent action to address the challenges facing the sector.
The Nigerian steel industry has been struggling for years, with the major steel rolling mills in the country unable to operate at full capacity. The government's failure to revive the industry has led to a reliance on scrap metal, which has become a vital component of the sector. The union is urging the government to take concrete steps to support the industry and prevent its total collapse.
Key points
- Scrap dealers have embarked on a nationwide strike due to the government's insensitivity and failure to address their demands.
- The strike is expected to have far-reaching consequences on various industries that rely on scrap metal, including construction companies and small businesses.
- The Nigerian steel industry is in a dwindling state despite the country's abundant natural resources, and the government needs to take urgent action to support the sector.
