The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it has sealed 13 steel factories across the nation for standards infractions.
Mr Enebi Onucheyo, Chairman, SON Task Force on Steel told newsmen on Monday in Lagos.
According to Onucheyo, the factories located in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Abia, and Edo states will remain shut till further notice.
He said that the companies were shut following nationwide market surveillance carried out by the organization’s task force between November 2019 and January 2020.
Onucheyo said that samples of various steel products were obtained from the open market and the companies facilities during the surveillance.
“Because of the SON’s classification of steel bars as life-endangering products, the Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS) provides unique identification marks for every locally manufactured or imported steel bars for easy traceability.
“Laboratory tests and analysis done on the samples reveal that most companies fail to meet the minimum requirements for diameter and mass per meter as provided in NIS 117:2004.
“These are critical parameters in the standard for reinforcement bars for concrete,” he said.
Onucheyo said that the companies were shut after an earlier warning to all-steel manufacturing companies to ensure strict compliance with the best standards.
The task force chairman said that some of the companies were found to have tampered with products earlier placed on hold by SON in their facilities.
He said that an unregistered identification mark “GE” was discovered in one of the products sampled.
Onucheyo stressed that it would be a continuous exercise to further the organizations’ commitment to protecting consumers from the dangers associated with substandard and life-endangering products.
“This is in view of the incessant collapse of buildings and structures across the country.
“The exercise is also aimed at ensuring that consumers get optimum value for their hard-earned money,” he said.
Mr Osita Aboloma, SON Director-General, who commented on the enforcement activity, reiterated the need to promote quality Made-in-Nigeria products preparatory to implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Aboloma said that strict enforcement of conformity to the requirements of NIS would facilitate export and prevent the dumping of goods into the markets. (NAN)
