The Lagos government has warned scrap dealers (popularly known as iron condemn) against engaging in illegal activities.
The secretary to the state government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, gave the warning on Tuesday night, during a meeting with members of the Police Community Relations Committee.
Ms Salu-Hundeyin said that the activities of scrap dealers had been a concern to the government and residents and needed to be addressed urgently.
”Various reports of illegal activities by scrap dealers have been received, and the state is now looking into how to address these issues seriously. This is just a warning to them. Please stop these illegal activities. Lagos state is not a dumping ground for illegality.
“We are looking at the illegality first, because that’s what concerns every citizen. We will look at it if there is genuineness in their business, ensuring that economic development is not compromised.
“Lagos state is home to economic development. They will be given that leverage if there is genuineness. But for now, let us look at how we will marry both and ensure that you and I can sleep with our eyes closed,” she said.
PCRC chairman in Lagos, Kehinde Showemimo, said communities were suffering from the illegal activities of the scrap dealers, hence the need for government intervention to eliminate the menace.
Mr Showemimo said that the PCRC had implemented measures to address the issue, such as restricting access to gated streets and monitoring activities, but there were still areas without gates that needed control.
He said that the committee was collaborating with the government, the police, and community leaders to drive out threats from specific areas, particularly near schools.
According to him, there are ongoing efforts with resident associations, CDCs, and community leaders to raise awareness and vigilance.
(NAN)