SON has come under scrutiny for reversing its decision to shut down 18 companies implicated in the production and distribution of substandard building materials
The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into allegations that the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) reversed its decision to shut down 18 companies implicated in the production and distribution of substandard building materials, particularly iron rod manufacturers.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo), urging SON to intensify efforts to eliminate fake building materials and ensure strict compliance with quality standards.
Osawaru expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of building collapse across Nigeria, which he attributed to the use of substandard materials, poor construction practices, and inadequate enforcement of building codes.
Citing data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, he revealed that in 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded 47 building collapses across 14 states, with Lagos State accounting for 56 percent (13 incidents), followed by Abuja with 4.37 percent (six incidents).
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Highlighting SON’s core mandate, Osawaru noted that the agency is responsible for ensuring product quality, conducting investigations, and certifying factories, products, and laboratories.
However, he lamented that the persistent use of substandard materials continues to result in tragic building collapses, adding that at least three buildings collapsed in different states in January 2025 alone, leading to multiple deaths and casualties.
He stated: “A study has revealed that poor quality materials and cheap labor contributed about 53 percent of building collapses in Nigeria, with most cases involving private residential buildings executed by indigenous companies and locals.”
The lawmaker further alleged that SON’s decision to shut down 18 defaulting companies was reversed under pressure from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, sparking widespread criticism and raising concerns about the government’s commitment to enforcing quality standards in the construction sector.
“The alleged defaulting companies responsible for the production of substandard building materials, especially iron rods, exploit Nigeria’s weak enforcement mechanisms to flood the market with inferior products while exporting high-quality materials to countries where substandard products are not tolerated,” Rep. Osawaru stated.
STAR Check: Nigerians, particularly, constituents of Orhionmwon uhunmwode federal constituency, Edo State, can keep tabs on the legislative performance of Rep. Osawaru throughout the 10th House here
