The Abia State government has implemented new measures requiring scrap dealers to obtain Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificates and Abia State Social Identification Numbers (ABSSIN) as part of efforts to combat the theft of government and private properties.

Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, Commissioner for Environment, expressed concern over the rising cases of theft targeting public infrastructure such as manhole covers and school properties during a meeting with members of the Scrap Metal Association in Umuahia.

"Scavengers and metal scrap dealers in the state should operate within legal frameworks," Ogbonna stated, outlining regulations that include registration, enforcement, and community collaboration.

The Commissioner further urged community leaders across the state to monitor scavenger activities in their localities to prevent the theft of public assets.

Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, reinforced these directives, instructing scrap dealers to formally register their businesses with the CAC and obtain the Abia State Social Identification Number to ensure transparency in their operations.

Nwokocha emphasized the importance of proper organization among dealers, particularly in verifying the identity and source of materials brought in by scavengers. "This verification process is crucial to prevent the sale of stolen public infrastructure," he noted.

Representatives of the Scrap Metal Association, Mr. Chukwudi Onwukaeme and Mr. Okeke Ogwuegbu, welcomed the government's initiative and pledged their cooperation in identifying and removing unscrupulous elements from the scrap business.

The new regulations represent a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Trade and Investment to establish a more regulated and transparent scrap metal industry in Abia State.