Reps vows to tackle substandard iron rods menace in Nigeria

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives Committee on Steel Development has decried the circulation of substandard iron rods in the country.
The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Zainab Gimba, said there is an urgent need to address the rising rate of building collapse which could also be traced to substandard rods.
She said this in her opening address at an interactive session with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja on Wednesday.
Gimba called for stakeholders’ collaboration to address this problem.
She said recent findings revealed manipulations in iron rods where 10 mm is actually 7.56 mm, 12 mm is 9.25 mm and 16 mm is actually 11.25 mm.
The lawmaker said that fake iron rods were being transported in daylight and the supervising agencies had not done much to address the problem.
Gimba said the committee will commence investigation into the matter and apprehend offenders.
“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 very important issues like the Metallurgical Bill that is currently undergoing legislation and the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Company, needed 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.