Union Decries Substandard Products, Seeks Dissolution Of SON Mgt

The Iron Rod and Steel Distributors Employers Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN) has called for the dissolution of the management of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for alleged ineffectiveness.

The union cited concerns over the agency’s perceived ineffectiveness in curbing the circulation of substandard products in the Nigerian market.

In a statement signed by its national president, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, the union expressed dissatisfaction with SON’s handling of substandard products, particularly in the iron rod and steel industry.

The union claimed that despite existing regulations and quality control measures, substandard iron rods and steel continue to flood the market, posing serious risks to consumers and tarnishing the reputation of legitimate distributors.

“It is sad to note, that in connivance with some bad eggs in SON, substandard steel producers now fake trademarks and scaling disclosures. It is evident that SON has failed in its mandate to ensure that only products that meet the necessary quality standards are allowed into the market. Wires are now sold for iron rods and our steel qualities so poor. The proliferation of substandard iron rods not only poses safety hazards but also undermines the integrity of our industry”.

“Severally, we have extended hands of fellowship to the SON leadership as distributors, to join hands with them in tackling the menace of substandard steel products.

“We have made our ways at the National Assembly which has made firm resolutions against substandard steel production but implementation of these efforts has become a mirage as SON continues to act comfortably unperturbed even when the surge of building collapse continues to increase in Nigeria, claiming lives,” Awoyale said.

He emphasised the need for government’s intervention in regulating the price of iron rods and steel products as the Naira exchange rate shows signs of significant improvement.

He, however, commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its efforts in safeguarding the Naira against the persistent depreciation.