The Cross River State Government has extended the suspension of all scrap metal-related activities in the state by one month as part of efforts to curb vandalism and strengthen regulation of the sector.
The state had initially imposed the suspension earlier this year following concerns over the increasing theft and vandalism of public assets, including critical infrastructure, allegedly carried out under the guise of scrap collection.
The extension, announced in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Attorney General and Commissioner for JEdedem Ani, will remain in force until August 23, 2026.
The government said the decision followed an earlier suspension approved by Governor Bassey Otu on February 23, 2026, in response to the growing cases of vandalism, theft and destruction of public infrastructure allegedly linked to scavengers, scrap dealers and their agents.
According to the statement, the extension will allow the state government to conclude its ongoing review of laws, policies and the regulatory framework governing scrap-related activities.
It noted that the review is aimed at strengthening regulation of the sector, identifying and protecting legitimate operators, and putting in place measures to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the scrap metal business.
The government acknowledged the inconvenience the continued suspension may cause to legitimate businesses and law-abiding operators but maintained that protecting public infrastructure and ensuring public safety remained its priority.
“The protection of public infrastructure, the preservation of public order and security remain paramount,” the statement read.
The government warned that the suspension remains fully in force and that any individual or organisation found engaging in scrap metal-related activities in violation of the directive would be dealt with in accordance with the law.