Scrap Metal Scavangers and scap metal collection (as it is today) is stunting our economic growth!

During my stay in Lagos and in Ogun State, Nigeria, like many of people I now know of, I was unbeliveably stunned at the frequent, loud metal clanking alerts made by itinerant scrap collectors (popularly referred to as Iron condemn) to let everyone know they are around to collect metal scraps. You hear calls like 'Alluminum... condemn. Iron condemn... We buy baje baje phone at good price'. Lol.

This community nuisance is an outdated relic that has no place in the modern world.

First and foremost, this method of metal scrap collection is a severe disruption a large host of up-wardly mobile tech professionals, who now work from home. As a professional in the tech industry, myself, our work requires deep concentration and seamless communication during online meetings and when speaking with users/customers on the phone.

The cacophony perpetuated by this itinerant metal scrap scanavgers does not only constitute a nuisance but also leads to significant work productivity losses. Imagine being in the middle of a virtual meeting or working on complex programming tasks and suddenly, you and your team are being interrupted by this irritating noise from this itinerant scavengers—it can be both frustrating and demoralizing.

Furthermore, I'd like to point out that - there seem to be a looming cardio-muscular health crisis associated with continuous exposure to such noise, going on in the city of abeokuta particularly. In fact, during the course of research, I came across a particular study that had shown that chronic noise pollution (from churches and mosques) is a substantial contributor to stress-related disorders in Abeokuta, Ogun state. With these scavengers prevalent in our communities, there is a justifiable concern for future medical issues. Still at the cost of the nation's economy!

Lastly, constant noise pollution detracts from the beauty and serenity that could beautify our environment and attract tourists. Ogun State has the potential to be a hub for visitors and tourists, but this attractive facet is marred by simple, preventable noise pollution that makes low-cost residential apartments un-liveable.

Fortunately, there are a number of viable, modern solution to this problem. Digital apps now exist that allow residents to request scrap pickups without disturbances. These applications are straightforward, cost-effective, and have been successfully implemented in other cities around the globe, leading to seamless scrap collection processes without compromising anyone’s peace. Even the collectors will be grateful to the government as they will be able to collect more tonnage of recylable metal scraps via these digital apps. 

We urge Ogun State regulators to step into the 21st century by banning outdated, noisy methods and mandating the use of such digital apps.

Damilola Ogundipe 
Co-founder, mushrooms.ng


P.S: This transition not only promises a quieter environment but also represents a quick and realistic policy win for Lagos State and her Ogun state counterpart. By making this change, Ogun State and Lagos State will not only lead by example but also improve the quality of life for their residents while enhancing attractiveness of the states to tourists and business professionals.

Please join me in calling on our state/local government to make this change. Sign this petition to demand a ban on Scrap metal Scavanging and Scavangers.