The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) has directed its members across the country to stop supplying scrap metals to iron and steel companies from October 1, 2026.
The association said the planned industrial action would initially run until October 15, with the possibility of an indefinite extension if its grievances are not addressed.
According to NASWDEN, the decision followed complaints over what it described as unfair practices in the scrap-metal industry.
One of the major concerns raised by the association is the alleged sudden reduction in the prices paid for scrap metals by some steel companies without adequate notice.
NASWDEN said such reductions could leave dealers who had already purchased and transported scrap at previously agreed prices with significant losses. It claimed dealers could lose between ₦3 million and ₦6 million on a single truckload when prices are reduced unexpectedly.
The association also complained about alleged deductions of between one and five per cent by some companies under what it described as “extra dust”.
Another concern raised was the alleged involvement of foreigners in the scrap-metal business, with NASWDEN claiming that some had established dumpsites and collection centres across the country.
The group further alleged that some iron and steel companies buy scrap from unregistered dealers and agents, calling for stronger verification and regulation to ensure that materials supplied to steel manufacturers come from legitimate sources.
NASWDEN said the measures were also necessary to prevent the trade in vandalised public and private property.
Despite announcing the industrial action, the association urged its members to remain peaceful and avoid violence, confrontation or destruction of property.
It said it remained open to dialogue with steel companies and appealed to relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to intervene and help resolve the dispute.
The planned action comes as scrap remains an important raw material for Nigeria’s steel industry, with experts previously identifying shortages and supply challenges as among the difficulties facing local steel production.
