As highlighted by Vanguard, the Iron Rod and Steel Distributors Employers of Nigeria (IRSDEUN) has reassured the National Assembly of its unwavering commitment to supporting efforts aimed at eliminating substandard steel products that have flooded the Nigerian market, largely due to the greed of some producers, many of whom are foreign nationals collaborating with certain government officials.

In a statement released by the National President of IRSDEUN, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, and made available to Vanguard's correspondent in Ilorin on Tuesday morning, the Union commended the recent initiative by the House of Representatives Committee on Steel Development.

This initiative seeks to gather information on statutory compliance obligations and production processes of suspected iron rod producers from the Standards Organization of Nigeria and to verify compliance with the tax laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

Awoyale said “We applaud it a bold step in the right direction after a long period of calling for a checkmate of the activities of SON, which has become ineffective in sanitizing the industrial production sector and ridding it of substandard product. It is highly commendable.”

“However, we at IRSDEUN are pessimistic that the vested interests in the SON may attempt to frustrate this people-oriented adventure. We call on members of the National Assembly, especially the Steel Development Committee to remain undaunted and uncompromising as they are about to make history. We assure them of our unflinching support in the interest of the safety of Nigerian citizens and their properties.”

The statement also noted that “in a letter dated 4th August 2024, the National Assembly House Committee on Steel Development had written the SON and FIRS, to furnish the NASS with information on the extent of compliance with extant laws and regulations guiding metallurgical and foundry operations of some steel producing companies in Nigeria, by section 62(1) and (2) of the constitution of the FRN and Order 130 Subsection (2) (I) of the Standing orders of the House of Representatives.”

The reports, the statement further stated are expected to be submitted to the National Assembly on or before tomorrow Wednesday, 28th August 2024, according to a letter by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Zainab Gimba (PhD).