95% Of Iron Rods, Steels In Nigerian Markets Substandard—Distributors
The President of the Iron Rods Distributors Association of Nigeria (IRDAN), Mr. Gbenga Awoyale, has raised the alarm that about 95 per cent of iron rods and steel products circulating in Nigerian markets are substandard.
He warned that the trend poses a serious threat to public safety and the integrity of buildings across the country.
Awoyale made the disclosure in an interview in Lagos, where he attributed the spate of building collapses in Nigeria to the use of substandard construction materials, particularly iron rods and steel.
According to him, these inferior materials have led to the death of many Nigerians and caused injuries to several others.
He said, “About 95 per cent of the iron rods and steel in Nigerian markets are substandard. These same manufacturers are producing standard iron rods for neighbouring countries, but compromise quality standards when it comes to Nigeria.”
Awoyale accused some manufacturers of deliberately compromising standards to maximise profit, saying the practice persists because certain building developers also opt for the cheaper, low-quality materials to cut costs.
He revealed that there are currently 19 steel and iron rod manufacturing companies operating in Nigeria, 18 of which are foreign-owned, with only one being indigenous.
The IRDAN president expressed frustration that despite several petitions and reports to both the National Assembly and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), regulatory enforcement remains weak.
“We have written severally to the National Assembly and the SON, yet the problem persists. The relevant authorities must act urgently to stem this tide before more buildings collapse and more lives are lost,” he said.
Awoyale called for immediate and decisive action from regulators, legislators, and other stakeholders to sanitise the market, enforce compliance with quality standards, and protect Nigerians from the dangers posed by unsafe construction materials.
95% Of Iron Rods, Steels In Nigerian Markets Substandard—Distributors is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
