The Galvanised Iron and Steel Manufacturers’ Association (GISMA) has revealed why it might sack about 20,000 workers in the steel manufacturing industry.
The Association, in a statement, said that if the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other concerned government agencies fail to curb the importation of substandard galvanised roofing sheets into the country, it will be forced to lay off 20,000 workers into the labour market.
The spokesman for GISMA, Mr Lateef Bello, gave SON an ultimatum of 30 days to address the problem.
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Recall that Nairametrics had earlier reported that SON seized N200m worth of substandard roofing sheets from various aluminium companies in Uyo. Bello made it known that the association was aware of this feat, he however demanded that SON should do more in ridding the industry of substandard roofing sheet products.
What the Manufacturers want SON to do: Bello commended SON for their efforts in the seizure of goods but requested that the names of perpetrators of such unpatriotic acts be made public as well, in order to reflect transparency and accountability.
“It is our expectation that SON will censor some of its officials suspected to be collaborating with smugglers of substandard products by mounting surveillance and detective operational techniques across its branches nationwide.
Importation of substandard products is tantamount to waging war against the Federal Government’s policies of discouraging the supply of illicit items capable of causing havoc and short-changing the citizenry,” he said.
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According to the GISMA spokesman, anyone involved in the importation of substandard products is basically aiding and abetting corruption, while also exposing the nation to poor infrastructure.
The approved minimum thickness for aluminium and galvanised steel roofing sheets is between 0.4mm to 0.15mm quality. The substandard ones are however usually within 0.25mm.
