PROPERTY Building collapse: Stakeholders want SON to set standards for blocks, concretes

Stakeholders in the building industry want the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to set specific standards to regulate moulding of blocks and concretes to stop incessant building collapse in the country.

Speaking at stakeholders’ workshop on increased awareness on building collapse in Nigeria organised by SON in Abuja, the Representative of Dangote Cement, Mr. Johnson Olaniyi, bemoaned lack of standard for moulding of blocks by practitioners in the building industry.

He also said there is inadequate monitoring and enforcement of relevant laws by the agencies saddled with such responsibilities.

He explained that the quantity of sand, cement and water to be used in the moulding of blocks must be clearly specified by SON to mitigate frequent building collapse.

Olaniyi therefore challenged the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to provide standard measurement for the moulding of blocks and concretes for practitioners in the industry.

The Director General of SON, Mr. Osita Aboloma, called for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors, adding that reduction of sub-standard products are the responsibility of all meaning Nigerians.

Aboloma, represented by Head, Product Registration Mark, Mr. Usman Mohammed, said his agency has stepped up sensitisation programme on ease of doing business in Nigeria, assuring that SON would continue to support genuine business men, manufacturers, importers, exporters and traders to guarantee quality assurance and standardisation.

He urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of quality and standards, adding that quality and safety remain pivotal in the activities of the agency.