The Niger State House of Assembly has called on stakeholders to contribute to a public hearing on a Private Member’s Bill aimed at regulating the activities of scavengers, old metal dealers, and Panteka businesses in residential areas.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Murtala Adamu Badaru, seeks to proscribe the activities of scavengers, old metal dealers, and Panteka operations within residential neighbourhoods.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, represented by Hon. Abubakar Suleiman Gomna, made this call during a public hearing on the bill, stressing the need for stakeholder input to create a safe and liveable environment for citizens.
He observed that while the businesses provide jobs and contribute to recycling, unregulated practices have caused serious challenges, including theft, insecurity, trespassing, environmental hazards, and public nuisance.
The public hearing was organised by the Joint House Committee on Environment and Climate Change, and Judiciary and Legal Matters, to address the challenges posed by these activities and ensure the well-being of citizens.
In his welcome address, chairman of the Joint Committees on Environment and Climate Change and Judiciary and Legal Matters, Hon. Mohammed Nura Garba, who is Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Agwara constituency, said the gathering brought together key stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting the environment, public health, and security.
” The proposed law aims to address challenges posed by these activities and create a safer, healthier, and more liveable environment for citizens,” he stated.
Stakeholders in attendance, including the Niger State Police Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary of Environment and Climate Change, and representatives of the Association of Scrap Dealers, all commended the Assembly’s leadership and pledged support for the speedy passage of the bill into law.
