SON set to take legal action against manufacturers and distributors of substandard iron rods

Expressing zero tolerance for the illegal trade of substandard steel in the country, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has announced plans to crack down on manufacturers and distributors found engaged in such activities.

During a stakeholders meeting with steel and iron rod manufacturers and distributors in Lagos, the Chairman of the Special Task Force, Enebi Onuchenyo, highlighted the surge in complaints from distributors regarding the quality of steel and iron rods in the market.

Onuchenyo emphasized the agency’s commitment to prosecuting anyone found involved in the sale of substandard iron rods, stressing the importance of maintaining high quality standards in the industry.

Encouraging self-regulation among manufacturers, Onuchenyo urged them to ensure strict compliance with industry standards to enhance the sector’s credibility and contribute positively to the economy.

The Steel Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Group’s Coordinator, Felix Oba-Okogie, addressed misconceptions surrounding the quality of locally-produced steel, emphasizing the need to address allegations decisively through collaboration with SON.

Additionally, a member of the Iron Dealers Association of Nigeria, Chukwudi Umeh, praised SON for its regulatory efforts in the steel sector and called for enhanced monitoring and enforcement measures to curb the distribution of fake and substandard products.

Umeh suggested closer scrutiny of manufacturers and suppliers, advocating for market research and raids to ensure compliance with quality standards and prevent the circulation of substandard goods.

Overall, stakeholders acknowledged the vital role of SON in upholding quality standards and protecting consumers from substandard products, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to maintain integrity in the industry.