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 ban 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 statement issued on Thursday by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani, will remain in force until August 23, 2026.
According to the government, the decision followed the earlier suspension approved by Governor Bassey Otu on February 23, 2026, in response to growing cases of vandalism, theft and destruction of public infrastructure allegedly linked to scavengers, scrap dealers and their agents.
The statement read, “Further to the Press Release dated the 23rd of February 2026, communicating His
