Biola Azeez, Author at Sporting Tribune

The Iron Rod and Steel Distributors Employers Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN) has appealed to the federal government to dissolve or restructure the framework of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to help end the recurring incidents of building collapses across the country. Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, the national president of the union, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, said the call became necessary following SON’s recent reversal of its decision to shut down 18 companies allegedly implicated in the production and distribution of substandard building materials, particularly iron rods. The union said the reversal, reportedly influenced by a federal government ministry, had raised concerns about the government’s commitment to enforcing quality standards in the construction industry. Chief Awoyale expressed worry over the persistent issue of substandard materials, which he said had led to the loss of innocent lives. He cited at least three building collapses in different states just within January 2025, describing the incidents as “avoidable tragedies.” “This is a national embarrassment and a clear indication that the regulatory bodies are failing in their duties. ALSO READ: Iron rod dealers criticise Buhari’s govt for ‘refusing’ to sign substandard products bill "The government must take decisive action to prevent further loss of lives and property. Dissolving SON and restructuring the regulatory framework is the only way to ensure accountability and enforce standards,” he said. Awoyale, who noted that the Act establishing SON includes a provision mandating the prosecution of companies found guilty of producing substandard materials, lamented that this law is rarely enforced due to alleged corruption and collusion between some SON officials and unscrupulous manufacturers. “There is a section in the Act that established SON which stipulates the prosecution of any company found wanting in the production of substandard materials. "Unfortunately, this law is not being implemented. Some corrupt officials within the system allow these perpetrators to buy their way out, thereby perpetuating this dangerous cycle.” He recalled that the union had made a similar appeal in 2024, adding that no concrete action was taken by the government. Awoyale lamented that the lack of effective oversight has allowed some companies to continue producing substandard materials, “which are allegedly sold domestically, while higher-quality products are exported to neighbouring countries with stricter regulations.” “The current system is flawed. These companies exploit weak enforcement mechanisms to flood our markets with inferior products, putting lives at risk. Meanwhile, they export standard materials to countries where they know they cannot cut corners,” he said. The recurring issue of building collapses in Nigeria has been attributed to the use of substandard materials, poor construction practices, and inadequate enforcement of building codes. According to data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Nigeria recorded 47 building collapses across 14 states in 2024. Lagos State accounted for about 56% of them with 13 incidents, followed by Abuja with 4.37%, recording six incidents. Stakeholders in the construction industry have echoed the union’s call for urgent reforms. They argue that dissolving SON and establishing a more robust regulatory body with greater autonomy and enforcement powers is critical to addressing the root causes of the problem. Awoyale’s position was further affirmed by recent revelations from the House of Representatives Committee on Steel Development. During an interactive session with the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the committee’s chairman, Hon. Zainab Gimba, disclosed shocking findings, including the production of iron rods with significantly reduced diameters—such as 7.56 mm rods being sold as 10 mm and 9.25 mm rods as 12 mm. The committee also decried the brazen transportation of fake iron rods in broad daylight, underscoring the failure of supervising agencies to curb the menace. This revelation aligns with Awoyale’s assertion that regulatory bodies are complicit in the proliferation of substandard materials. As the debate continues, Nigerians are urging the government to take swift and decisive action to prevent further tragedies. According to Chief Awoyale, the dissolution of SON is not just a necessary step but a moral obligation to protect the lives and property of citizens. “The time for empty promises is over. We need action now. The government must prioritize the safety of its people over the interests of a few unscrupulous businesses.” The call for SON’s dissolution has reignited discussions about the need for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s construction and regulatory sectors. As the nation grapples with the devastating consequences of building collapses, the demand for accountability and stricter enforcement of standards has never been more urgent. TRIBUNE ONLINE