Cross River Extends Scrap Metal Ban for One Month

The Cross River State Government has announced a one-month extension of the ban on all scrap metal-related activities in the state, originally imposed to address increasing vandalism and theft of public assets. This extension was communicated in a statement by Ededem Ani, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and will remain effective until August 23, 2026.

The initial ban was approved by Governor Bassey Otu on February 23, 2026, due to rising concerns over criminal activities linked to scavengers and scrap dealers. The government aims to use this additional time to finalize a review of laws and regulations governing the scrap metal sector, intending to strengthen oversight and protect legitimate operators.

The government has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to lawful businesses but emphasized that the protection of public infrastructure and safety is its top priority. Violators of the ban will face legal consequences, as the suspension remains fully enforced.