By Comfort Olayinka
The House of Representatives Committee on Steel Development has expressed strong opposition to the circulation of substandard iron rods in the country. This move comes amidst growing concerns over the rising rate of building collapse, which has been linked to the use of substandard materials.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Zainab Gimba, emphasized the urgent need to address this issue during an interactive session with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja. She highlighted the devastating consequences of building collapse and the need for collective action to prevent such tragedies.
Recent findings have revealed alarming manipulations in iron rods, where the actual thickness is significantly less than the specified size. For instance, 10 mm rods were found to be only 7.56 mm, while 12 mm rods were discovered to be 9.25 mm, and 16 mm rods were merely 11.25 mm. These findings have raised serious concerns about the safety and integrity of buildings constructed with such substandard materials.
Rep. Gimba criticized supervising agencies, such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, for not doing enough to address the problem. She emphasized the need for stakeholders to collaborate and take decisive action to prevent the circulation of substandard iron rods.
The Committee has vowed to commence a thorough investigation into the matter and take stern action against offenders. This move is expected to restore public confidence in the steel industry and ensure that buildings are constructed with safe and reliable materials.
“We must remember that we need to collaborate extensively with the Legislature to find urgent and sustainable solution to the ugly and unfortunate problem of proliferation of sub-standard iron rods in Nigerian markets, which has led to serious cases of incessant building collapse with its attendant multiple deaths of innocent Nigerians.
“I want to make it unambiguously clear that the committee lis ever committed to robust engagement with critical stakeholders, well structured, positioned and geared towards the fulfillment of the Renewed Economic and Developmental Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“He has adequately displayed passion by creating the Ministry for Steel Development with two Ministers, to see to the speedy development of the steel sector, thus providing Nigerians the needed material at affordable cost while boosting the Nation’s revenue generation.
“We must not forget that steel can overwhelmingly diversity the Nigerian economy and create employment opportunities as it is obtainable in other developed counties like Russia, United States and India.
“Therefore, all hands must eagerly be on deck, to flow with Mr. President’s vision for the speedy development of the steel industry, and ultimately reduce the country’s dependence on the oil industry,” she said.
The lawmaker said that important issues like the Metallurgical Bill and the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Company needed the support and collaboration of all stakeholders.
She said that the matter had caused huge embarrassment for country.
Gimba said that the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigeria Consumer Protection Agency must sit up to address the challenge.
“We can no longer stand akimbo while watching as some wicked businessmen are sending innocent Nigerians to untimely deaths.
“And in being on top of our mandate, the committee is committed to making Ajaokuta Steel company work in line with Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda, while considering reasonable jail terms to effectively handle producers and prevent the circulation of sub-substandard iron rods in the country.
“We are already assiduously looking at resuscitating the Bill in this regard, by applying the needed amendments to hammer economic saboteurs who are poised to embarrassing us continuously.
“Above all, we all must continue to take all necessary actions to protect the steel industry; maintain a sense of purpose by demonstrating insatiable commitment to our statutory obligations,” she said.
The committee refused to engage the representative of the President of the NSE, Ms Margaret Oguntala, insisting she must appear in person.
She was represented by Engr Chinasaokwu Okojie, who is the project manager of Comppon Nigeria Company.
