Steel Distributors Set Agenda For New SON DG Okeke

The Iron Rod and Steel Distributors Employers Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN) has urged the newly appointed director-general of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Ifeanyi Chukuwnonso Okeke, to collaborate closely with industry’s stakeholders to develop rigorous monitoring and enforcement strategies to fight the proliferation of substandard products in the country.

The union said such collaboration will deter and penalise businesses that engage in the production and sale of substandard products that pose risks to health, safety, and the environment.

The national president of IRSDEUN, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, gave the advice in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP in Ilorin, Kwara State.

“We also encourage the new DG to explore partnerships with international organisations and institutions with expertise in quality control standards. Such collaborations can provide SON with the opportunity to leverage the best practices from around the world, bridge knowledge gaps, and enhance the capabilities of local businesses.

“We firmly believe that under Dr. Okeke.’s capable leadership, SON has the potential to become a key driver in reshaping Nigeria’s product quality landscape and bolstering the nation’s reputation in international trade,” Awoyale said.

He added: “We urge the new DG to prioritize a comprehensive review of SON’s internal processes and procedures to identify areas for improvement and strengthen compliance mechanisms. By enhancing transparency and accountability within the organisation, SON can regain the confidence of stakeholders and demonstrate its commitment to upholding the highest standards.

“We admonish Dr. Okeke to cultivate a culture of ethical conduct and professionalism among SON personnel. This can be accomplished through rigorous training programs and the establishment of clear guidelines and protocols for assessing compliance and conducting inspections.”

While hailing President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to stabilising the production sector, Awoyale assured Okeke of the readiness of the iron and steel union to collaborate with SON in the fight against substandard steel production, “to ensure that steel products in Nigeria meet the required standards, increase competitiveness, ensure safety of lives and deliver enhanced value to consumers.”

Describing Okeke’s appointment as a welcome development, Awoyale noted that: “Okeke as a homegrown seasoned banker and accountant with native intelligence, brings a wealth of expertise to this prestigious position, and we are confident that under his capable leadership, SON will thrive and foster a culture of excellence in product standardization throughout Nigeria.”