The National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria has commenced a 15-day nationwide warning strike over what it described as the devaluation of its members’ businesses by Chinese and other foreign companies operating in Nigeria.

The association announced the commencement of the strike on Thursday, saying its members were withdrawing their services to draw the attention of the Federal Government and relevant authorities to what it described as unfair practices threatening the survival of the scrap and waste recycling industry.

The Vice President of the association, Aminu Hassan Soja, popularly known as Sarkin Karafan Kasar Hausa, disclosed the decision while addressing journalists in Kano on Thursday.

Hassan said members of the association were losing between ₦2 million and ₦3 million on every truckload of scrap materials as a result of what he alleged were activities of Chinese and other foreign companies in the sector.

According to him, the situation had significantly affected the prices of scrap materials and was making it increasingly difficult for Nigerian-owned businesses to remain viable.

The association’s vice president further alleged that some foreign operators were involved in practices that were affecting the quality of construction materials produced from recycled metals.

Hassan specifically alleged that 12-millimetre iron rods were being presented or processed as 10-millimetre rods, a development he linked to concerns over the quality of building materials and the reported collapse of buildings in different parts of the country.

He said the alleged practices were taking place despite existing laws and regulations governing the production and marketing of construction materials in Nigeria.

The association’s leader expressed concern that foreign companies were allegedly operating as though there were no effective laws regulating their activities in the country.

Hassan said the decision to embark on the 15-day strike followed efforts by the association to draw the attention of relevant authorities to the challenges facing its members.

He said the association had written to relevant government agencies as well as security agencies to formally notify them of the warning strike and its implications.

According to him, the association has a membership of more than two million people across the country, stressing that its members had complied with the directive to withdraw their services.

Hassan described the association as one of the largest employers of labour in the country outside the agricultural sector, saying the activities of its members contribute significantly to employment and the recycling economy.

He said the strike was therefore intended to compel the authorities to address the concerns raised by the association and protect local operators in the scrap and waste business.

Soja says the association’s leadership had information that some individuals could attempt to act as saboteurs from within the association.

Hassan urged members to remain united and adhere to the directive throughout the 15-day warning strike, while calling on government agencies to intervene in the issues raised by the association.

He said the association remained open to dialogue with the Federal Government and other stakeholders, but insisted that the concerns of its members must be addressed to prevent further losses and protect businesses operating in the sector.

The Kaduna State High Court has dismissed an application seeking the recusal of Justice Darius Khobo from the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai.

The court, in its ruling last week on the application, held that the applicant had not waived his right to complain of alleged bias by his conduct.

Justice Khobo, however, ruled that the multiple processes filed by the applicant before the Court of Appeal and the Kaduna State High Court constituted an abuse of court processes.

The court also held that the applicant failed to establish a likelihood of bias against him.

The court formulated three issues for determination in resolving the application.
On whether the applicant had waived his right to complain of bias by his conduct, the court resolved the issue in favour of the applicant, holding that the right had not been waived by mere conduct.

However, in the second issue, whether the applicant had abused the processes of the court, the court ruled in favour of the respondent, finding that the multiple processes filed before the Court of Appeal and the State High Court constituted an abuse of court process.

The third issue, which concerned whether there was a likelihood of bias against the applicant, was also resolved in favour of the respondent, with the court holding that the applicant failed to prove such likelihood.

In its final analysis, the court held that the application for recusal lacked merit and consequently refused and dismissed it.
The court directed that the trial on the substantive charge should continue on a day-to-day basis, as practicable in the circumstances.

It further ordered that the defendant remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, pending the continuation of the trial.

The case was adjourned to October 12 and 13, 2026, for accelerated hearing.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, as public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Wednesday by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and its prospects for the future.

He highlighted Nigeria’s human capital, natural resources and cultural diversity as key national assets, while stressing the importance of peace and stability to the country’s development.

The minister urged Nigerians to emulate the patriotism of the nation’s founding fathers and contribute to building a country that future generations would be proud of.

“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength, and our collective determination remains the foundation upon which a stronger and more prosperous nation will be built,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens to use the celebration to promote unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.