SON issues ultimatum to steel manufacturers, distributors on substandard steel bars

In a bid to enhance better human lives through enforcing standards, steel manufacturers and steel distributors, have been issued a three-month ultimatum by Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON)  on the need to clear out of the markets substandard steel bars.

The Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mallam Farouk Salim, issued this three-month ultimatum yesterday during an emergency meeting in Lagos, with steel manufacturers and steel distributors.

Farouk advised all steel manufacturers and marketers in the country to put their house in order as failure to comply will result in prosecutions and serious jail term for offenders.

The SON boss was quoted in a statement to have cited the recent spate of building collapse which had claimed hundreds of lives stressing that it is a big blow on the nation and particularly the construction industry which the steel sector falls under.

He posited that the consequences of the disasters had raised concerns and the onus lies on SON to always get to the root cause of the issue with the view to finding a lasting solution.

The DG SON charged both the manufacturers and distributors that moving forward they have been given two months to form associations for self regulation and plan an organised way of articulating industry challenges to ensure strict compliance a well as root out amongst their members those engaging in such inimical acts.

Salim highlighted that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement which has legally taken effect from January this year means our borders are to be open and any substandard products sold may be rejected thereby hindering economic growth.

He reiterated SON’s mandate to foster trade and economic growth and not impede it, adding that SON would not allow any dubious business persons to destroy lives, property and scarce resources.

The SON boss appealed to the stakeholders in the steel industry to cooperate with SON so that wealth and value can be created without infractions, adding “if you work with me I work with you but if you work against me the law will be upheld to the letter”

He maintained that after the expiration of the three months moratorium to dealers in steel the agency will commence full scale enforcement, mopping of substandard steel in factories and markets and if found culpable prosecutions will take place immediately.