- He noted that wires, instead of standard gauge iron rods, were used in the concrete works
The Iron Rod Distributors Employers Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN) has raised concerns about the use of substandard materials in Abuja’s construction projects, urging the National Assembly to take immediate action to prevent further building collapses in the city.
Responding to a building collapse at Nicholas Ukachukwu’s Praco Limited Estate in Guzape, Abuja, on Friday, which resulted in an unconfirmed number of worker deaths, the Union’s President, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, highlighted alarming evidence of substandard construction practices. He noted that wires, instead of standard gauge iron rods, were used in the concrete works.
“This is a clear case of criminal negligence and a ticking time bomb waiting to happen,” Awoyale said in an interview. “We cannot afford to wait until another building collapses and claims innocent lives. The National Assembly must act now to prevent further disasters.”
Awoyale alleged that the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has failed in its responsibility to enforce building standards, allowing contractors to get away with using substandard materials.
“The SON is the most corrupt organization in Nigeria, and they are encouraging manufacturers to produce and distribute substandard products,” he said. “This must stop, and we demand that the government takes action to hold them accountable.”
The Union is calling for the demolition of all remaining structures in the estate that have been built with substandard materials, as well as a thorough investigation into the construction practices of all buildings in Abuja.
“We need to send a strong message to contractors that substandard construction will not be tolerated in this city,” Awoyale said. “We owe it to the people of Abuja to ensure that their lives and properties are safe.”
The call comes amid growing concerns over the frequency of building collapses in Abuja, which has left many dead and injured in recent years.
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