Iron Rod and Steel Distributors Employers Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN) has commended the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) following the recent sealing of African Steel Limited for substandard production.
The union, in a statement by its national president, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, commended SON for taking decisive action against the manufacturer, emphasizing the importance of upholding quality standards in the industry.
However, the union called on the federal government to prosecute the erring manufacturer to the full extent of the law, noting that it is not the first time it would be sealed, just to be reopened shortly.
“We commend the SON for sealing up one the biggest steel rolling mills in the country – African Steel Ltd, Ikorodu which is also the parent company of African Foundries Limited, Ikorodu and Abuja Steel Limited. We note that this is not the first time the errant company would be caught in the act, but the inability of Federal Government to prosecute erring manufacturers have made ceremonial rituals of sealing them up unyielding.
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“It is worthy of emphasis, that there is no justification for not prosecuting the steel rolling company as a deterrent for others whom have continued to expose Nigeria to risks of substandard products, especially in the manufacturing sector. It has caused this nation so much in life and fortune and still portends even greater hazards to infrastructure and public safety.
“However, if SON fails to do the needful in accordance with provision of the law and open the company without prosecution, IRSDEUN will challenge such inaction in court. Because we have samples of substandard products of these companies as distributors, with their names created on them and are substantial evidence that can be tendered against them in court”, the statement added.
The distributors emphasized that quality control is paramount in the construction industry, and any compromise in standards can have far-reaching consequences.
They urged the government to send a strong message to manufacturers who flout regulations and endanger the integrity of their products.
“The sealing of African Steel Limited serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring the quality and safety of construction materials, as industry stakeholders, we stand united in our support of SON’s actions and are hopeful that this will be taken further to serve as a deterrent to others in the industry”.