By Musa Muhammad Kutama,Calabar
The Cross River State Government has extended the suspension of all scrap operations across the state by an additional one month as it intensifies efforts to strengthen regulation of the sector and protect critical public infrastructure.
The extension, which takes effect from July 23 to August 23, 2026, was announced in a statement signed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Charles Ani, Esq.
According to the statement, the decision follows the earlier suspension approved by Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu on February 23, 2026, in response to rising cases of vandalism, theft, and destruction of public infrastructure allegedly linked to scavengers, scrap dealers, and their agents.
The government said the additional one-month suspension would provide sufficient time to conclude the ongoing review of laws, policies, and regulatory frameworks governing scrap-related activities in the state.
“The objective is to strengthen the regulatory regime, identify and protect legitimate operators, and implement measures that effectively prevent the infiltration of criminal elements into the sector,” the statement said.
It added that the review is aimed at creating a more transparent, accountable, and properly regulated scrap industry while ensuring that only genuine operators are permitted to conduct business in Cross River State.
While acknowledging the inconvenience the extension may cause law-abiding operators and legitimate businesses, the government stressed that safeguarding public infrastructure and maintaining law and order remain its top priorities.
The statement warned that the suspension remains fully in force and that any individual or organisation found engaging in scrap-related activities in violation of the directive would face legal consequences.
The government also appealed to residents and stakeholders to continue supporting its efforts to protect public assets and strengthen the regulatory framework for scrap operations across the state.
