SON urges block moulders on standard in tackling building collapse

Malam Farouk Salim, Director-General (DG), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has charged the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON) to adhere strictly to standards, to curb the incidents of building collapse across the country.

Salim gave the advice during a one-day sensitisation programme with a theme, “Understanding NIS 978:2017-Standards for Sandcrete Block” in Abakaliki, Ebonyi on Thursday.

The director-general, represented by the State Coordinator, Mrs Ugwueche Maryrose, said SON is committed to the fight against circulation of substandard products.

According to Salim, SON is tackling the use of substandard products through the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) and offshore Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) for locally manufactured and imported products, respectively.

He urged professionals in the industry to adhere strictly to the National Standards in the interest of the citizens.

The DG said that the SON Act of 2015 had empowered the organisation to seize substandard products and prosecute culprits, who engage in production or sale of such products inclusive of building materials.

“Steer clear of such malpractices,” Salim advised.

Mr Nwajei Victor from the Department of Engineering, SON, spoke on understanding the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) and requirements for Sandcrete Blocks, urging moulders to respect the laws.

Victor identified major factors to consider in building, saying these include materials, types of moulds, dimensional characteristics and requirements of load-bearing and non-load bearing sandcrete blocks.

He also explained the specification for sampling procedures, methods for testing and criteria for conformity.

“There are also general requirement, product material, mix proportion, mould and shape, moulding and rejection.

“I, therefore, urge you to adhere to the minimum requirements of the NIS,” Victor added.

The Chairman of NABMON in Ebonyi, Mr Nichodemus Nome, expressed gratitude to the DG of SON for providing a standard sandcrete block testing machine for them, aimed at enhancing quality production in line with the requirements of NIS.

Nome appreciated SON for its support towards enhancing the production of quality sandcrete blocks and stated that the association is working hard to curb the recurring menace of substandard sandcrete block moulders in the state.

Mr Ikechukwu Ugwumadu, Technical Sales Manager, Dangote Group (Dangote Cement Sector), South-East Region, explained the various grades, quality and applications of Dangote Cement brands to block moulding and other construction purposes.

Ugwumadu promised to create more collaborative avenues to meet the needs of the block moulders in their productions.

Dr Stephen Odoh, former Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Ebonyi, also emphasised the need to adhere to standards requirements.