Pic: Mr Izuchukwu Ibekailo
By Tobias Ekirika, Onitsha
The newly appointed Anambra State Coordinator of Scrap Dealers, Mr. Izuchukwu Ibekailo (Osisikankwu), has pledged to strengthen oversight of scrap dealers and clamp down on criminals using the business as a cover for illegal activities.
Speaking in Onitsha, Ibekailo, who is also Chairman of the Scraps Automobile Metal Market, Obolo Obosi, said the state would profile scrap dealers, stop illegal operations, and work with security agencies, including the police, OCHA Brigade, and Udo-Ga-Chi operatives, to protect public infrastructure from vandalism.
He stressed that genuine scrap dealers are not criminals, blaming street scavengers and those dealing in stolen items for tarnishing the image of the business.
According to him, the Obolo Obosi market already verifies the identity of sellers and ownership of vehicles or metal materials before accepting them as scrap, a practice he intends to extend across the state.
Ibekailo said his appointment by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Clems Aguiyi, is aimed at restoring integrity to the scrap business, reducing criminality, and ensuring dealers comply with government regulations.
He also promised to ensure scrap dealers pay their statutory taxes and levies to boost the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), describing the sector as an important contributor to Anambra’s development.
Tags: Anambra, Scrap Dealers, Crime, IGR
