The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has projected the creation of over five million new jobs in the country’s scrap and waste sector by 2025.
This was disclosed by the Founding Chairman of NASWDEN, Alhaji Suleiman Lateef, during the inauguration of a Caretaker Committee in Abuja. Lateef, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, highlighted the association’s critical role in Nigeria’s economic development, particularly in job creation.
He stated that NASWDEN had already contributed to the creation of approximately 10 million jobs in the sector and aims to increase this number to 15 million before the end of the year.
“We educate our members on their responsibilities as employers of labour. Our industry is vital to economic growth and youth empowerment,” Lateef said.
He emphasised that NASWDEN members are law-abiding and condemned any association with vandalism. The association, he said, has a disciplinary committee to investigate and sanction any member found culpable of unlawful acts.
The newly inaugurated committee, according to Lateef, will steer the association towards its upcoming delegate conference scheduled for later this year.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy BOT Chairman, Mr. Edward Ella, reaffirmed the association’s opposition to vandalism, noting that NASWDEN members operate legally and supply scrap materials to companies engaged in recycling iron rods and steel products.
“There is no member of NASWDEN involved in vandalism. We are contributors to national growth through job creation and recycling,” Ella said.
Mr. Stephen Obayuwana, Secretary of NASWDEN’s Founding Fathers, commended the Minister of Labour and Productivity for efforts to stabilise the association.
In his remarks, the new Committee Chairman, Mr. Uko Iwaudofia, pledged to further sanitise the scrap and waste industry in Nigeria.
“This is a multi-billion naira sector that continues to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy. Our members supply major rolling mills across Lagos, Kano, and Ikorodu,” he said.
