The Iron Rod and Steel Distributors Employers Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN) has urged the federal government to dissolve or restructure the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to curb the recurring incidents of building collapses across the country.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the union’s national president, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, said the appeal was necessary following SON’s reversal of its decision to shut down 18 companies accused of producing and distributing substandard building materials, particularly iron rods.
He noted that the reversal allegedly influenced by a federal government ministry raised concerns about the government’s commitment to enforcing quality standards in the construction sector.
Awoyale expressed deep concern over the persistent use of substandard materials, which he said had led to multiple building collapses and loss of lives. He cited at least three major collapses recorded in different states in January 2025 alone, describing them as “avoidable tragedies.”
“This is a national embarrassment and a clear indication that regulatory bodies are failing in their duties. 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 stated.
The IRSDEUN president pointed out that the law establishing SON includes provisions for prosecuting companies found guilty of producing inferior materials. However, he lamented that enforcement has been weak due to alleged corruption and collusion between some SON officials and manufacturers.
“Some corrupt officials within the system allow these perpetrators to buy their way out, thereby perpetuating this dangerous cycle,” he said.
Awoyale also accused some manufacturers of deliberately producing low-quality materials for local markets while exporting higher-standard products to countries with stricter regulations.
“These companies exploit weak enforcement mechanisms to flood our markets with substandard products, putting lives at risk. Meanwhile, they export top-quality materials to places where they know they cannot cut corners,” he said.
He recalled that the union had made a similar call in 2024, but no concrete action was taken by the government.
The House of Representatives Committee on Steel Development recently uncovered alarming irregularities in the production of iron rods. During an interactive session with the Nigerian Society of Engineers, committee chairperson Hon. Zainab Gimba revealed that some manufacturers were selling significantly undersized iron rods such as 7.56 mm rods labeled as 10 mm and 9.25 mm rods passed off as 12 mm.
The committee also raised concerns over the open transportation of fake iron rods, highlighting regulatory agencies’ failure to clamp down on the menace. This aligns with Awoyale’s assertion that some supervisory bodies are complicit in allowing substandard materials to flood the market.
Data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild revealed that Nigeria recorded 47 building collapses across 14 states in 2024, with Lagos accounting for 56% of the incidents. Industry stakeholders have echoed the union’s call for urgent reforms, arguing that dissolving SON and creating a more independent regulatory body is critical to ensuring stricter enforcement.
As calls for action intensify, Nigerians are urging the government to prioritize safety over commercial interests.
“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,” Awoyale stated.
y reforms to prevent further tragedies.