SON Pledges Prosecution in Crackdown on Substandard Steel
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting manufacturers and distributors involved in the production and sale of substandard steel and iron rods, as part of renewed efforts to sanitize the country’s steel sector. This was made clear by Engr. Enebi Onuchenyo, Chairman of the SON Special Task Force, during a stakeholders meeting held in Lagos with key players in the steel and iron rod industry.
The meeting was convened following a surge of complaints from distributors regarding the poor quality of steel and iron rods circulating in the Nigerian market. Engr. Onuchenyo emphasized the seriousness of the issue, warning that the SON will take legal action against anyone found guilty of producing or distributing substandard products.
“There have been claims that substandard iron rods are being sold in the market, and we have called this meeting to gather information from manufacturers and distributors. They have provided us with useful insights that will help us identify and track those responsible for these unscrupulous activities,” Onuchenyo stated. He added, “Anyone caught in the act will be prosecuted, and there is no going back on that.”
Onuchenyo stressed the importance of self-regulation within the industry, urging manufacturers to maintain stringent quality controls. “Globally, the best form of regulation is self-regulation because it is more stringent. If manufacturers and distributors commit to monitoring themselves, the sector will thrive and contribute positively to the economy,” he said.
The meeting also highlighted the need for collaboration between SON and industry stakeholders to bridge gaps and ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s steel sector. Manufacturers were given a seven-day ultimatum to provide detailed information on their suppliers and distributors, which will aid in the fight against substandard goods.
Felix Oba-Okogie, Coordinator of the Steel Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, addressed accusations against local steel producers, labeling them as baseless unless corroborated by SON, which is legally authorized to enforce standards. “This meeting has helped dispel unfounded allegations against manufacturers. It’s important that the reputation of SON and the manufacturers is not unfairly tarnished by these accusations,” Oba-Okogie said.
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He urged SON to intensify efforts against illegal distributors of fake and substandard products to protect consumers. “SON should go beyond its regular schedule to identify and take action against distributors who are trying to undermine the industry,” he urged.
Chukwudi Umeh, a representative of the Iron Dealers Association of Nigeria, Anambra State chapter, praised SON’s regulatory efforts and pledged the association’s support. He recommended that manufacturers closely monitor their customers to facilitate tracing of products that fail to meet the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS).
Umeh also called for increased raids and market research to identify substandard products. “SON must intensify their enforcement efforts, including site visits and interrogations of dealers, to ensure that only quality products are available in the market,” he concluded.
The stakeholders’ meeting underscored the collective resolve to uphold quality standards in the Nigerian steel industry, ensuring that consumers are protected and the sector remains robust and competitive.
