By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has called for the urgent need to address the rising rate of building collapse in Nigeria.
The Chairman, House Committee on Steel Development, Rep. Zainab Gimba, said the circulation of substandard iron rods for building in the country, was responsible for the spate of buildingcollapse.
Rep. Gimba in her opening address at an interactive session with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja on Wednesday, called for stakeholders’ collaboration to address this problem.
According to her, recent findings revealed manipulations in iron rods where 10mm is actually 7.56mm, 12mm is 9.25mm and 16mm is actually 11.25mm.
The Chairman criticized supervising agencies like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria for not doing enough to address the problem and said the committee will commence investigation into the matter and deal with offenders.
“We must remember that we need to collaborate extensively with the Legislature to find urgent and sustainable solution 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 lis 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 diversity the Nigerian economy and create employment opportunities as it is obtainable in other developed counties 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.
The lawmaker further stated that important issues like the Metallurgical Bill and the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Company needed the support and collaboration of all stakeholders.
Rep. Gimba said the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Nigeria Consumer Protection Agency must sit up to address the challenge.
“We can no longer stand akimbo while watching as some wicked businessmen are sending innocent Nigerians to untimely deaths.
“And in being on top of our mandate, the committee is committed to making Ajaokuta Steel company work in line with Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda, while considering reasonable jail terms to effectively handle producers and prevent the circulation of sub-substandard iron rods in the country.
“We are already assiduously looking at resuscitating the Bill in this regard, by applying the needed amendments to hammer economic saboteurs who are poised to embarrassing us continuously.
“Above all, we all must continue to take all necessary actions to protect the steel industry; maintain a sense of purpose by demonstrating insatiable commitment to our statutory obligations,” she said.
The committee refused to engage the representative of the President of the NSE, Ms Margaret Oguntala, insisting she must appear in person.
She was represented by Engr Chinasaokwu Okojie, who is the project manager of Comppon Nigeria Company.