Oyo Govt, Standard Organisation To Eradicate Sub-standard Steel Production

In a renewed effort to safeguard lives and property, the Oyo State Government has announced its intention to deepen collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to stem the proliferation of sub-standard steel and iron rods circulating in the market.

The commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, gave the assurance while receiving the SON delegation, led by the Special Assistant to the Director-General/Chief Executive of SON on Strategic Support, Mr Manji Pius, in his office at the State Secretariat, Ibadan.

He said the partnership will promote public safety, quality assurance, and sustainable industrial development in the state.

Adebisi stated that the Oyo State government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has been increasingly focused on enforcing building and engineering standards.

He commended SON for its proactive role in safeguarding lives and strengthening industrial integrity by enforcing product standards nationwide.

Adebisi emphasised that Oyo State aligns fully with the organisation’s mission, describing quality assurance as a critical component of the state’s economic and industrial growth agenda.

“We appreciate the efforts of SON, especially in addressing issues that affect the safety and confidence of our people. The Ministry is fully ready to partner with you to ensure that substandard products are eradicated from our market”.

He urged SON to consider Oyo State as a strategic location for its proposed laboratory complex, citing the state’s industrial potential and growing reputation as a hub for manufacturing and trade in the South-West region.

Adebisi highlighted that “Made-in-Oyo” products have continued to attract both national and international attention, especially during trade exhibitions such as the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algiers, Algeria, where Oyo-made goods drew significant interest from foreign buyers.

He stressed that maintaining product quality and standardisation would further enhance the competitiveness of local manufacturers in global markets.

The Commissioner assured that the Ministry would support the process once a formal request is made for land allocation, adding that the establishment of such a facility would enhance regulatory efficiency and attract further investment into the state.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade, described SON’s initiative as crucial to ensuring industrial growth and public safety.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting SON’s mandate, adding that the Ministry would work closely with the organisation through a joint technical committee to develop practical strategies for collaboration, quality monitoring, and public sensitisation.

In his remarks,  the Special Assistant to the Director General/Chief Executive of SON on Strategic Support, Mr Manji Pius, said the visit was aimed at seeking a partnership with the Oyo State Government to curb the circulation of low-quality steel materials that have contributed to the alarming rate of building collapses across the country.