In a recent meeting in Lagos, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) announced its intention to take strict actions against manufacturers and distributors involved in the trade of substandard steel products in the country.
The Chairman of the Special Task Force at SON, Enebi Onuchenyo, addressed stakeholders from the steel and iron rods industry, highlighting the numerous complaints received regarding the quality of these products.
Onuchenyo emphasized the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards substandard products, stating that those found guilty would face prosecution without exception.
He urged manufacturers and distributors to uphold high standards, warning against the production and distribution of inferior iron rods, and emphasized the importance of stringent self-regulation in the industry.
Furthermore, he gave a seven-day deadline for industry players to provide crucial information on suppliers and distributors to aid SON’s efforts in combating substandard goods.
The meeting aimed to foster better collaboration between manufacturers and distributors to enhance the steel sector in the country.
Felix Oba-Okogie, the Coordinator of the Steel Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Group, addressed the misconceptions surrounding local steel production and stressed the importance of addressing all allegations brought against manufacturers.
He called for unity among industry stakeholders and urged SON to intensify efforts in curbing the spread of fake and substandard products to protect consumers.
Additionally, a member of the Iron Dealers Association of Nigeria, Chukwudi Umeh, commended SON for its regulatory efforts and emphasized the need for manufacturers to cooperate in tracing products that do not meet the required standards.
Umeh recommended increased surveillance from factories to markets and market research to identify manufacturers and suppliers involved in the production of substandard goods.