By Abba – Eku Onyeka, Abuja
The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has said that plans are in underway to rid the country of sub-standard steel products, according to a press release from Maji Alieku of Public Relations Department of the Organisation yesterday.
The Director-General (DG) of SON, Mr Farouk Salim made the statement on Tuesday at a meeting with South-South and South East region of Steel manufacturers and dealers in Asaba. The DG said that a three-month ultimatum on the need to clear out of the markets substandard steel rods was issued in March and would soon expire, adding: “After the expiration of the three months ultimatum to dealers in steel, the agency will commence full scale enforcement, to rid factories and markets of substandard steel rods and anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.”
Urging steel manufacturers to uphold quality and standards in the production of their products, Farouk Salim said that standards and quality steel products would ensure large market-shares for businesses and companies which in turn, according to him would lead to high revenue-earnings, job opportunities and export promotion.
“So, we are appealing to you all in the steel industry to cooperate with SON so that wealth and value can be created. Do the right thing, do not cut corners. The benefits of standards and quality products to the economy can lead to healthy lives, safer environment, employment generation and industrial growth,” he appeared.
While enjoining the manufacturers and dealers to come together and form an organised union or association for self-regulation, Salim said: “Some of you are complaining that there is unfairness in the enforcement. The only way we can make sure we have uniform approach to everything and deal with you properly is when you form a union,” he explained.
The Chairman, Iron Dealers Association Onitsha, Nnaemeka Onwuzuluike urged the federal government to make the manufacturers weigh the iron bars and issue receipts to identify company easily.