The Director General and Chief Executive of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, has emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to prevent building collapses in Nigeria.
This follows a series of building collapses across the country, resulting in loss of lives and properties.
Dr. Okeke attributed the causes of building collapse to poor structural designs, quackery, inadequate soil testing, poor construction practices, and use of substandard materials.
He noted that compliance with specifications and codes of practice is crucial in restoring confidence in the Nigerian building industry.
SON has produced 168 standards and codes of practice for the building and construction industry since 2004.
These standards cover areas such as steel bars, iron and steel, concrete testing, and facility management.
The organization has also established regulatory powers to regulate locally manufactured products through its Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) and pre-shipment verification of conformity to standards for imported goods through the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP).
Additionally, SON has introduced the Product Authentication Mark (PAM) to enable consumers to verify the authenticity of products before purchase.
The organization has also set up a task force to standardize steel reinforcement bars and has engaged stakeholders in the sector.
Dr. Okeke assured the public that SON will continue to collaborate with other sector regulators, including COREN, NBRRI, NIQS, RMRDC, and the Ministry of Works, to ensure a safe environment through standardization and quality assurance.
SON Nigeria is committed to preventing building collapses in Nigeria through a comprehensive approach that includes compliance with specifications and codes of practice, regulatory powers, and collaboration with other sector regulators.
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