By Uzor Odigbo
The Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mallam Farouk Salim, issued a three-month ultimatum to steel manufacturers and steel distributors to clear substandard steel bars in the Nigerian markets.
He gave the order during a meeting with steel manufacturers and steel distributors at the SON Ogba Complex.
Salim also appealed to the manufacturers and marketers to put their house in order as failure to comply would result in prosecutions and serious jail term for offenders.
The SON boss cited the recent spate of building collapse, which claimed hundreds of lives, saying it is a big blow on the nation and especially the construction industry which the steel sector falls under.
According to him, the consequences of the disasters have raised concerns and the onus was always on Standards Organisation of Nigeria to get to the root cause of the issue with the view to finding a lasting solution.
He further advised that moving forward both the manufacturers and distributors have been given two months to form associations for self-regulation and an organised way of articulating industry challenges to ensure strict compliance and also root among their members those engaging in such inimical acts.
According to him, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement which has legally taken effect from January this year means “our borders are open and any substandard products sold may be rejected thereby hindering economic growth.”
The DG however reaffirmed SON’s mandate to foster trade and economic growth and not impede it, stating that SON would not allow any dubious business persons to destroy lives, property and scarce resources.
The Director General appealed to the steel industry to cooperate with SON so that wealth and value could be created without infractions.
He said, “If you work with me I work with you but if you work against me the law will be upheld to the letter” Salim also disclosed that after the expiration of the three months moratorium to dealers in steel will commence full scale enforcement, mopping of substandard steel in factories and markets and if found culpable prosecutions will immediately.
