In response to Nigeria’s troubling trend of building collapses and the resulting loss of lives and property, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has advocated for stricter regulatory measures and improved collaboration to combat this pressing issue. Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, SON’s Director General, stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to prevent future incidents and restore confidence in the nation’s construction sector.
Dr. Okeke highlighted that building collapses are frequently caused by poor structural designs, substandard materials, unprofessional practices, and inadequate soil testing. He underscored the necessity of adhering to established standards and codes to ensure the safety and integrity of construction projects. “The recurring problems in the building sector arise from inadequate construction practices, unauthorized modifications, and neglect in maintenance,” Okeke explained.
Since 2004, SON has developed an extensive set of 168 Standards and Codes of Practice for the construction industry. These include the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) 117:2004 for steel reinforcement bars, NIS 499:2004 for iron and steel, and NIS 588:2007 for testing hardened concrete, among others.
To strengthen regulatory oversight, SON has utilized its authority under the SON Act to enforce the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) for locally manufactured products and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) for imported goods. The Product Authentication Mark (PAM) also allows consumers to verify the authenticity of products before purchase.
SON has also established a Special Intervention Task Force focused on steel reinforcement bars, which involves engaging stakeholders and conducting nationwide enforcement in factories and markets. This has led to sanctions for non-compliant dealers in accordance with the SON Act No.14 of 2015.
Dr. Okeke reassured the public of SON’s dedication to creating a safe built environment through ongoing collaboration with other regulatory bodies. This includes partnerships with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), and various state and federal ministries and development agencies.
By advocating for stricter regulations and fostering collaborative efforts, SON aims to reduce the risks associated with building collapses and ensure that construction practices in Nigeria adhere to the highest standards of safety and quality.
