By Ajewole Joshua|ABNews | Lagos
The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has come under intense fire from concerned Nigerians after revelations that steel rods advertised as 12mm in the market were discovered to measure only 9.87mm.
The expose, first shared on X (formerly Twitter) by social commentator @ogaVirus, has triggered a storm of outrage online. Many Nigerians fear that the prevalence of such substandard materials is directly linked to the alarming rise in building collapses across the country.
Public Outcry on Social Media
Several users did not hold back in their criticism of the regulatory body.
Alpha (@_gekwu) wrote:
“Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has become a toothless bulldog. The 12mm steel rod has become 9.87mm. That means the steel rods in our markets are substandard.”
For Niyi (@NiyiOyinlola), the matter goes beyond numbers:
“This is dangerous. SON should not wait until another building falls before acting. If 12mm rods are sold as 9.8mm, that’s fraud, and it can kill people.”
Another user, Obedients Onijere (@ogunstateboy), linked the problem to the recurring tragedy of collapsed buildings:
“This is why buildings keep collapsing in Nigeria. Materials are compromised, and SON is watching. Nigerians must learn to check these things themselves before it’s too late.”
Why the Issue Matters
Structural engineers warn that rods below the specified thickness can seriously undermine the load-bearing strength of concrete structures. A difference of just a few millimeters translates into a significant loss of tensile strength, which can weaken foundations, columns, and beams.
Nigeria has recorded dozens of building collapses in the past decade, many of them fatal. While factors such as poor workmanship and weak designs are often cited, experts consistently highlight substandard building materials as a major contributor.
A Question of Accountability
Critics argue that SON, the body tasked with enforcing standards and ensuring consumer protection, has failed in its oversight role. The latest outrage is only one of several times Nigerians have questioned the agency’s effectiveness.
“SON should be carrying out regular market surveillance and sanctioning offenders,” said a Lagos-based construction analyst contacted by ABNews. “If rods advertised as 12mm are actually 9.87mm, then the system is broken, and people’s lives are at risk.”
Silence From the Regulators
As at the time of filing this report, SON has not issued any official statement addressing the concerns raised by @ogaVirus and other Nigerians online.
Stakeholders are now demanding:
- Immediate investigations into suppliers and manufacturers of the rods in question.
- Clear sanctions for companies selling substandard materials.
- Transparency in publishing test results and market inspections.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate buyers on how to verify product quality.
The Bigger Picture
The uproar once again underscores Nigeria’s fragile regulatory environment, where oversight is often reactive rather than proactive. With urbanization driving up demand for housing and infrastructure, the stakes could not be higher.
For consumers, the revelations are both a warning and a call to action. Many are now urging Nigerians to personally verify construction materials before purchase, while placing pressure on regulators to tighten their grip on standards enforcement.
It remains to be seen whether SON will launch an investigation, sanction offending manufacturers/suppliers, or issue guidelines for stricter compliance.
