Reps Launch Probe into SON Over Alleged Approval of Substandard Building Materials

The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) following allegations that the agency reversed its decision to shut down 18 companies accused of producing and distributing substandard building materials, particularly iron rods. The probe comes amid heightened concern over Nigeria’s escalating building collapse crisis, which has caused significant loss of life and property across the country.

Moving the motion for investigation, Honourable Billy Osawaru, representing Edo State, urged the House to mandate stronger enforcement measures from SON to eliminate fake and substandard construction materials from the Nigerian market. He stressed that weak regulatory oversight has enabled the proliferation of unsafe products, undermining public safety and structural integrity in the built environment.

According to data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Nigeria recorded 47 building collapses across 14 states in 2024, with Lagos State accounting for 56% of cases and Abuja recording six incidents, representing 4.37% of the total. Within the first quarter of 2025, at least three additional collapses have already been reported, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

Osawaru warned that unless quality control is enforced, unregulated construction practices will continue to compromise safety standards nationwide. He described the reversal of SON’s enforcement action as a potential breach of public trust and a signal of regulatory weakness within the construction sector.

Controversy Over Alleged Ministry Intervention

The lawmaker expressed concern over reports that the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment influenced SON’s reversal decision. This alleged intervention, he argued, raises serious questions about institutional accountability and the Federal Government’s commitment to enforcing quality standards.

Osawaru cautioned that companies found to be producing inferior materials often exploit weak enforcement systems domestically while exporting higher-quality products to foreign markets with stricter compliance regimes. He stated that such practices not only endanger Nigerian consumers but also distort fair market competition within the construction supply chain.

Industry observers note that Nigeria’s building collapse crisis reflects deep systemic issues ranging from poor regulatory enforcement and limited technical supervision to widespread use of counterfeit materials. Studies indicate that 53% of building collapses are directly linked to poor-quality materials and unskilled labour, particularly within the informal construction segment dominated by small contractors.

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild and other professional bodies have repeatedly urged government agencies to strengthen certification processes, monitor material imports, and establish a transparent compliance database to prevent market infiltration by substandard products.

House Resolution and Next Steps

The House of Representatives has resolved to conduct a full-scale investigation into SON’s regulatory operations, enforcement history, and decision-making protocols. The investigation will scrutinise the agency’s quality assurance mechanisms and identify individuals or institutions that may have compromised due process.

Lawmakers are expected to recommend policy reforms that will strengthen compliance frameworks, improve monitoring systems, and enhance public confidence in Nigeria’s construction industry. The findings could also influence future legislative amendments aimed at tightening penalties for regulatory negligence and non-compliance.

Conclusion: Restoring Public Confidence in Building Safety

The parliamentary investigation marks a critical moment for Nigeria’s housing and construction sector. With rising urbanization and continued demand for affordable housing, ensuring material quality and regulatory transparency remains vital to preventing further tragedies. The outcome of the House probe will serve as a test of the government’s resolve to prioritize public safety, enforce standards, and rebuild confidence in the nation’s construction oversight institutions.