The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate allegations that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) reversed its decision to shut down 18 companies involved in the production and distribution of substandard building materials, particularly iron rods. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Edo lawmaker Billy Osawaru of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Osawaru urged the House to compel SON to intensify efforts in eliminating fake building materials from the Nigerian market and ensure only quality products are available nationwide. Expressing concern over frequent building collapses in Nigeria, Osawaru attributed the issue to the use of substandard materials, weak regulatory enforcement, and poor construction practices. Citing data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, he noted that Nigeria recorded 47 building collapses across 14 states in 2024, with Lagos State accounting for 56% (13 incidents) and Abuja recording 6 collapses (4.37%). He lamented that substandard materials have led to numerous fatalities, adding that at least three buildings have collapsed in different states since January 2025, resulting in multiple deaths and casualties. “This is a clear indication that the Standard Organization of Nigeria has not done enough to prevent further occurrences. “Study has revealed that poor quality of materials and cheap labour contributed about 53 per cent of building collapse in Nigeria with most of them being private residential buildings executed by indigenous companies and locals. “SON allegedly reversed its decision to shut down 18 companies implicated in the production and distribution of substandard building materials, particularly iron rod manufacturers. “The reversal, reportedly influenced by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has sparked criticism from different quarters, raising concern over the government’s commitment to enforcing quality standards in the construction industry. “The alleged defaulted companies responsible for production of substandard building materials especially irons hides under the weak enforcement mechanisms in Nigeria to flood the Nigerian market with inferior products while exporting products of high quality to countries where substandard materials are not tolerated,” he said. Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved to investigate the organisation and make useful recommendations on how to tackle the scourge of substandard building materials in the country.