NASWDEN challenges Zulum to provide evidence of alleged N3bn cable theft

The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has challenged Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, to provide verifiable evidence for his allegation that scrap metal scavengers stole electrical cables worth ₦3 billion.

The association also rejected what it described as sweeping allegations against scrap dealers, warning against portraying legitimate business operators as criminals without credible evidence.

NASWDEN Deputy National President, Comrade Aminu Hassan Soja, stated the association’s position in a press statement, demanding clarification on the alleged theft and the circumstances surrounding the reported loss.

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Soja asked the Borno State Government to identify the contractor responsible for the project, disclose when it was executed, confirm whether the cables were supplied and installed, and establish when the alleged theft occurred.

He also questioned the basis of the government’s conclusions, noting that scrap metal activities had reportedly been banned in Borno State for more than three years.

“Governor Zulum must not use scrap dealers as scapegoats to conceal the government’s failures in providing basic social amenities and infrastructure. You cannot accuse an entire industry without presenting credible evidence,” Soja stated.

The NASWDEN leader distanced the association from Boko Haram and all forms of terrorism, stressing that it represents law-abiding scrap and waste dealers engaged in legitimate businesses.

He warned that linking scrap dealers to criminal activities without substantiated evidence could damage the reputation of operators across the industry.

According to him, allegations of criminal conduct should be directed at identified individuals and supported by credible evidence rather than used to stigmatise an entire business sector.

NASWDEN called on the Borno State Government to present evidence of the alleged theft, identify and prosecute anyone found responsible if a crime occurred, and avoid making sweeping allegations against legitimate scrap and waste dealers.

The association maintained that accountability and evidence-based investigations were necessary to establish the facts surrounding the reported loss of electrical cables valued at ₦3 billion.