By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

The Iron Rod and Steel Distributors Employers Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN) has called on the Federal Government to dissolve and restructure the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as a lasting solution to the recurring incidents of building collapses across the country.

The appeal was made by the National President of the Union, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, in a press statement he made available to Vanguard Correspondent in Ilorin on Tuesday.

“The call comes in the wake of SON’s recent reversal of its decision to shut down 18 companies implicated in the production and distribution of substandard building materials, particularly iron rod manufacturers. The reversal, reportedly influenced by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, has sparked widespread criticism and concern over the government’s commitment to enforcing quality standards in the construction industry.”the statement said.

Awoyale also expressed deep concern over the persistent issue of substandard materials, which he said has led to loss of numerous lives, citing 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,” Awoyale stated, stressing that “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.”the statement added

Awoyale further highlighted that the Act establishing SON includes a provision mandating the prosecution of companies found guilty of producing substandard materials.

However, he 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,” Awoyale explained.

The statement recalled that the union had made a similar appeal in 2024, but that no concrete action was taken by the government.

Awoyale also lamented that lack of effective oversight has allowed unscrupulous companies to continue producing substandard materials, which are 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.

Awoyale added that,”the recurring issue of building collapse 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, with Lagos State accounting for about 56% of them through 13 incidents, followed by Abuja with 4.37%, having recorded six collapse 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.”the statement said.

Awoyale’s position has been further affirmed by recent revelations from the House of Representatives Committee on Steel Development.

The statement explained that the committee, through its Chairman, Hon. Zainab Gimba, during an interactive session with the Nigerian Society of Engineers, 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 lamented 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.”the statement added.

Awoyale also said that,” as the debate continues, Nigerians are urging the government to take swift and decisive action to prevent further tragedies. The dissolution of SON, is not just a necessary step but a moral obligation to protect the lives and properties of citizens.”

He further explained that the call for SON’s dissolution has reignited discussions about the need for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s construction and regulatory sectors, stressing that 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.

“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 concluded.