By Felix Khanoba
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has linked the presence of substandard iron and steel in the Nigerian market to the activities of some distributors in the sector.
SON made this known in reaction to a press release reportedly issued by the Iron Rod and Steel Distributors Employers Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN).
A statement signed by SON’s Director of Public Relations, Foluso Bolaji, on Sunday faulted the union for accusing the organisation of ineffectiveness in curbing the circulation of substandard products in the Nigerian market.
While restating its commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and promoting development through standardisation in the iron and steel sector, SON described IRSDEUN’s narrative on the issue of substandard products as misleading.
The statement reads : “The attention of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has been drawn to a press statement issued by the Iron Rod and Steel Distributors Employers Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN) expressing dissatisfaction with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and alleging its ineffectiveness in curbing the circulation of substandard products in the Nigerian market. However, we find this narrative to be deeply flawed and misleading.
“Contrary to the claims made by the IRSDEUN, our investigations and stringent monitoring mechanisms have revealed a different reality. It is essential to set the record straight and address the inaccuracies presented by the Union.
” Firstly, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria vehemently rejects the assertion that SON has been lax in its regulatory duties. On the contrary, SON has been proactive in implementỉng measures to ensure that only products meeting the required quality standards are allowed into the market. Our efforts have led to significant strides in curbing the proliferation of substandard iron rods and steel products.
“Furthermore, the suggestion that iron and steel distributors are mere victims in this scenario is disingenuous. Credible findings indicate that distributors themselves have been implicated as key players in the dissemination of substandard products. There have been instances where distributors exert pressure on manufacturers to produce substandard goods for their selfish gains, thus perpetuating the cycle of substandard products in the market.
Moreover, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by STEELMAN (an association of Steel Manufacturing companies who form a voluntary self – regulatory team) in February, 2024, under the auspices of SON, underscores our commitment to quality assurance. The self-regulating system adopted by these companies, in collaboration with sON, demonstrates a proactive approach towards ensuring compliance with national standards.
“The MoU outlines clear guidelines for member companies to adhere to, including the designation of employees to oversee compliance and provision of accommodation for representatives of the association within company premises to allow for effective monitoring. These measures are indicative of a collaborative effort between regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders to uphold quality standards.
“In light of these developments, it is evident that the allegations leveled against SON by the IRSDEUN are unfounded and without merit. We urge stakeholders to desist from spreading misinformation that undermines the efforts towards quality assurance in the iron and steel industry.
“As SON remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and promoting economic development, we call for constructive engagement and cooperation from all stakeholders to address challenges effectively.”
