The House of Representatives has initiated a probe into allegations that the Standard Organisation of Nigeria reversed its decision to shut down 18 companies involved in the production and distribution of substandard building materials, particularly iron rods.
This resolution was reached on Tuesday after lawmakers adopted a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Billy Osawaru, representing Edo State under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Osawaru urged the House to mandate SON to intensify efforts to eliminate counterfeit building materials from the Nigerian market and ensure only high-quality products are available for purchase nationwide.
Expressing deep concern over the persistent cases of building collapses across the country, Osawaru linked the unfortunate trend to the proliferation of substandard materials, lax regulatory enforcement, and poor construction practices.
Citing data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, he revealed that in 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded 47 building collapses across 14 states, with Lagos State accounting for 56% of these incidents through 13 cases. Abuja followed with six reported collapses, representing 4.37%.
He further lamented that the use of inferior materials has led to tragic loss of lives, noting that since the beginning of 2025, at least three building collapses have occurred in different states, resulting in multiple casualties.
“This is a clear indication that the Standard Organization of Nigeria has not done enough to prevent further occurrences,” Osawaru stated.
He also cited research findings that attribute 53% of building collapses in Nigeria to poor-quality materials and cheap labor, with most incidents involving private residential buildings constructed by local companies.
Osawaru alleged that SON had initially moved to shut down 18 firms implicated in the production of substandard materials but later reversed its decision, reportedly under pressure from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
He noted that this reversal has sparked widespread criticism, casting doubt on the government’s commitment to enforcing quality standards in the construction sector.
“The alleged defaulted companies responsible for production of substandard building materials especially irons hide under the weak enforcement mechanisms in Nigeria to flood the Nigerian market with inferior products while exporting products of high quality to countries where substandard materials are not tolerated,” he remarked.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House resolved to launch an investigation into SON’s actions and develop recommendations to curb the circulation of substandard building materials across the country.
