Reps ask SON to eliminate fake building materials from Nigerian markets

The house of representatives has asked the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to stamp out substandard building materials from Nigerian markets.

According to the lawmakers, this would tackle the recurring building collapse in the country.

The house passed the resolution following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Billy Osawaru, a lawmaker from Edo state, on Tuesday. 

Osawaru said the “incessant” occurrence of building collapse in the country is attributed to the use of substandard materials, poor construction practices, and inadequate enforcement of building codes by authorities.

Citing data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, the legislator said Nigeria recorded 47 building collapses across 14 states in 2024, with Lagos accounting for about 56 percent followed by Abuja with 4.37 percent.

He said SON is saddled with the responsibilities to, among others, undertake investigations as necessary into the quality of facilities, materials and products in Nigeria, and establish a quality assurance system including certification of factories, products and laboratories.

“The constant issue of substandard materials has sent numerous lives to their early grave and it is very regrettable to state that at least three buildings have collapsed in different states within January 2025 leading to several deaths and casualties,” Osawaru said.

The lawmaker said that despite these incidents, SON has not taken sufficient measures to prevent further occurrences.

“Study has revealed that poor quality of materials and cheap labour contributed about 53 percent of building collapse in Nigeria with most of them being private residential buildings executed by Indigenous companies and locals,” he added.

Osawaru said there are claims that SON reversed its decision to shut down 18 companies implicated in the production and distribution of substandard building materials, particularly iron rod manufacturers.

He said the alleged reversal, reportedly influenced by the ministry of industry, trade and investment has sparked criticism, raising concern over the government’s commitment to enforcing quality standards in the construction industry.

The motion was adopted when Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, put it to a voice vote.

Consequently, the house asked the committees on industry and trade to investigate the allegation and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.