Sub-standard iron rods reason for building collapse in Nigeria – Reps

The House of Representatives Committee on Steel Development has blamed the incessant building collapse in Nigeria on sub-standard iron rods across the country.

Speaking during an interactive session with the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, in Abuja on Wednesday, Chairman of the committee, Zainab Gimba, called for stakeholders’ collaboration to address the problem.

According to her, recent findings revealed manipulations in iron rods where 10 mm is actually 7.56 mm, 12 mm is 9.25 mm and 16 mm is actually 11.25 mm.

She further stated that fake iron rods were being transported in daylight, lamenting that the supervising agencies had not done much to address the problem.

Gimba said the committee would commence investigation into the matter and apprehend offenders.

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“We must remember that we need to collaborate extensively with the legislature to find urgent and sustainable solutions to the ugly and unfortunate problem of proliferation of sub-standard iron rods in Nigerian markets, which has led to serious cases of incessant building collapse, with its attendant multiple deaths of innocent Nigerians.

“I want to make it unambiguously clear that the committee is ever committed to robust engagement with critical stakeholders, well structured, positioned and geared towards the fulfillment of the renewed economic and developmental agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“He has adequately displayed passion by creating the ministry for steel development, with two ministers, to see to the speedy development of the steel sector, thus providing Nigerians the needed material at affordable cost, while boosting the nation’s revenue generation.

“We must not forget that steel can overwhelmingly diversify the Nigerian economy and create employment opportunities as it is obtainable in other developed countries like Russia, United States and India.

“Therefore, all hands must eagerly be on deck, to flow with Mr. President’s vision for the speedy development of the steel industry, and ultimately reduce the country’s dependence on the oil industry,” she said.