The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has initiated a decisive crackdown on manufacturers and distributors of substandard steel products within the country. This action comes in response to a surge of complaints from distributors regarding the poor quality of steel and iron rods circulating in the market. The agency’s Chairman of the Special Task Force, Enebi Onuchenyo, announced the impending prosecutions, emphasizing SON’s commitment to upholding product quality and ensuring consumer safety. This initiative aims to sanitize the steel sector and protect the integrity of Nigerian-made products, both domestically and internationally.
SON’s nationwide monitoring efforts have already yielded significant results. Two steel companies were identified as non-compliant with the Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS 117) and international best practices. Following thorough investigations and product testing, these companies were shut down, and their substandard products were seized. To prevent these faulty materials from entering the market, SON oversaw the cutting and remelting of the seized products, ensuring they could not be recirculated. This proactive approach underscores SON’s commitment to enforcing standards and safeguarding consumers from potential hazards associated with substandard steel.
Going forward, SON has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards any steel manufacturer found to be circumventing quality assurance requirements. The agency intends to prosecute offenders under the SON Act 14 of 2015. This firm stance aims to deter future violations and ensure that manufacturers prioritize adherence to established standards. SON emphasizes that compliance with quality standards is crucial for both local and international acceptance of Nigerian steel products. By upholding these standards, manufacturers can enhance their competitiveness and contribute to the growth of the steel industry.
Beyond enforcement, SON is also addressing unethical practices within the industry. The agency has cautioned steelmakers against undermining competitors by producing substandard steel reinforcement bars and falsely labeling them with the names and codes of rival firms. Such practices not only harm competitors but also endanger unsuspecting consumers who rely on the integrity of product labeling. SON’s commitment to fair competition and consumer protection is paramount in its efforts to foster a healthy and sustainable steel industry. By tackling these issues head-on, SON aims to build trust and confidence in Nigerian-made steel products.
SON acknowledges the Federal Government’s efforts to support local manufacturing for export, recognizing the potential for increased foreign exchange earnings. The agency pledges its unwavering support to genuine local producers by protecting them from unfair competition and ensuring a level playing field. Furthermore, SON is working towards harmonizing steel production standards across West Africa, aiming to create a unified market and facilitate regional trade. This initiative will provide Nigerian steel manufacturers with expanded opportunities to export their products to various countries within the region, thereby boosting economic growth.
To further enhance quality control, SON is encouraging steel manufacturers to adopt self-regulation and monitoring practices. This approach, already implemented in other sectors, has proven effective in minimizing counterfeiting and the production of substandard goods. By embracing self-regulation, manufacturers can proactively identify and address quality issues, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This collaboration between stakeholders and regulators will not only enhance consumer confidence but also contribute to the overall development of a more robust and reliable steel industry in Nigeria. SON also urges consumers to report any instances of substandard products, reinforcing a collective responsibility for maintaining quality and safety within the steel sector. Through these comprehensive measures, SON aims to create a more transparent and accountable steel industry, benefiting both manufacturers and consumers alike.
