In light of Nigeria’s alarming frequency of building collapses and the concomitant loss of lives and properties, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has called for a more rigorous regulatory framework and increased collaboration to address the frightening menace. Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, Director General of SON, emphasised the need for a holistic approach to prevent future incidents and restore confidence in the nation’s construction industry.
During a recent address, Okeke highlighted that building collapses have been primarily caused by poor structural designs, substandard materials, unprofessional practices, and insufficient soil testing. He stressed that compliance with established standards and codes is vital for ensuring the safety and integrity of construction projects. “The recurrent issues in the building sector stem from a range of factors including inadequate construction practices, unauthorized modifications, and neglect in maintenance,” Okeke stated.
SON has been proactive in addressing these challenges by developing a comprehensive suite of 168 Standards and Codes of Practice for the construction industry since 2004. These standards cover various aspects of construction, including 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 bolster regulatory oversight, SON has leveraged its powers under the SON Act to implement the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) for locally manufactured products and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) for imported goods. Additionally, the Product Authentication Mark (PAM) empowers consumers to verify the authenticity of products before purchase.
As part of its efforts to standardise and enforce compliance, SON has established a Special Intervention Task Force focused on steel reinforcement bars. This initiative involved engaging with stakeholders and conducting nationwide enforcement in factories and markets, leading to sanctions for non-compliant dealers in accordance with the SON Act No.14 of 2015.
Okeke reassured the public of SON’s commitment to ensuring a safe built environment through continuous collaboration with other regulatory bodies. This includes working closely 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 relevant ministries and development agencies at both state and federal levels.
By advocating for stricter regulations and fostering a collaborative approach, SON aims to mitigate the risks associated with building collapses and ensure that Nigerian construction practices meet the highest standards of safety and quality.