The House of Representatives Committee on Steel Development has raised concerns about the circulation of fake iron rods in Nigerian markets.
Zainab Gimba, the committee chair, highlighted this issue during an interactive session with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Wednesday. She emphasized that the compromised quality of iron rods poses significant risks to infrastructure development.
“Our recent findings show disturbing manipulations in iron rods: 10mm rods are actually 7.56mm, 12mm rods are 9.25mm, and 16mm rods are 11.25mm,” Gimba stated. “These discrepancies were observed in the Abuja market, and regulatory agencies have not taken sufficient action. This situation is unacceptable and demands urgent attention.”
She further noted that the transportation of fake iron rods occurs openly, and the committee intends to investigate and hold accountable the producers involved in this practice. Gimba questioned the role of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigeria Consumer Protection Agency, urging them to address this critical issue.
“We cannot stand by while unscrupulous businessmen endanger the lives of innocent Nigerians,” Gimba asserted. She stressed that the committee is dedicated to revitalizing the Ajaokuta Steel Company and will propose jail terms for those producing substandard iron rods.
The committee chair also highlighted the potential of the steel industry to diversify Nigeria’s economy and create job opportunities. She called for collaboration with stakeholders and the National Assembly to find sustainable solutions to the problem of substandard iron rods, which have contributed to frequent building collapses and multiple fatalities.
“We are working diligently to amend legislation to punish economic saboteurs who continue to embarrass us,” Gimba concluded.
