Economy
IRSDEUN Demands SON’s Dissolution, Restructuring Over Rising Building Collapses
IRSDEUN Demands SON’s Dissolution, Restructuring Over Rising Building Collapses
IRSDEUN demands SON’s dissolution, restructuring over rising building collapses. The Iron Rod and Steel Distributors Employers Union of Nigeria (IRSDEUN) has urged the Federal Government to dissolve and restructure the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as a long-term solution to the frequent building collapses across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, National President of the Union, criticized SON’s decision to reverse the shutdown of 18 companies linked to the production of substandard building materials, particularly iron rods.
He blamed alleged government interference for the decision, raising concerns about weak enforcement of quality standards in the construction sector.
Awoyale condemned the widespread use of inferior materials, which he said has led to multiple avoidable building collapses, including at least three incidents in January 2025 alone. Describing the situation as a national embarrassment, he urged the government to take bold steps to hold regulatory bodies accountable.
“The government must act decisively to prevent further loss of lives and property. Dissolving SON and restructuring its framework is the only way to ensure accountability and enforce standards,” he stated.
He also pointed out that despite SON’s legal mandate to prosecute manufacturers of substandard materials, enforcement has been hampered by corruption and collusion within the system.
“The law stipulates prosecution, yet corrupt officials allow violators to escape consequences, fueling this dangerous cycle,” Awoyale added.
The union had made a similar appeal in 2024, but no concrete action was taken, allowing unscrupulous manufacturers to continue flooding the market with inferior materials while exporting high-quality products to countries with stricter regulations.
Citing data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, he revealed that Nigeria recorded 47 building collapses across 14 states in 2024, with Lagos State alone accounting for 56% of cases.
The House of Representatives Committee on Steel Development also raised alarms over rampant quality violations, exposing cases where iron rods were deliberately undersized, such as 7.56 mm rods being sold as 10 mm and 9.25 mm rods as 12 mm.
IRSDEUN
Calling for urgent reforms, Awoyale stressed that dissolving SON and replacing it with a stronger regulatory agency was not just a necessity but a moral obligation.
“The time for empty promises is over. The government must prioritize public safety over the interests of a few unscrupulous businesses,” he concluded.
EFCC Arraigned Woman In Borno Over Alleged N6.8m Romance Scam
EFCC arraigned woman in Borno over alleged N6.8m romance scam. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, over allegations of a N6.8 million fraud.
Ugwu was charged on Monday, March 17, 2025, in connection with a romance scam in which she allegedly deceived a victim, Emmanuel Ani, by posing as his fiancée, “Miss Chinansa.”
The EFCC filed a four-count charge against her, including obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, and impersonation.
According to the anti-graft agency, between June 2023 and August 2024, Ugwu fraudulently obtained N6,710,300 from Ani under the guise of supporting his supposed fiancée.
Upon hearing the charges, Ugwu pleaded not guilty.
Court Remands Ugwu, Trial Set for April 8
EFCC Arraigned Woman
Following her plea, prosecution counsel S.O. Saka and Faruku Muhammad urged the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility. Justice Kumaliya granted the request, adjourning the trial until April 8, 2025.
The EFCC disclosed that Ugwu failed to return or account for the money when confronted by the petitioner.
The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling financial crimes, particularly scams involving deception and impersonation.
Government Directs Verification Of March Salaries Before Payment In Kano
Government directs verification of March salaries before payment in Kano. The Kano State Government has mandated civil servants to verify their March salaries before disbursement.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Faruk Umar Ibrahim, announced the directive on Monday, citing concerns over deductions and irregularities in January and February salaries.
“To ensure transparency and fairness, all civil servants must confirm their salary details through their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and report any discrepancies,” Ibrahim stated.
Salary lists will be displayed at key locations within MDAs and all 44 local government secretariats to facilitate the process.
A committee, led by Head of Service Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, has been set up to oversee the verification and expedite payments.
Kano State
Acknowledging the approaching Eid-el-Fitr celebration, Ibrahim assured workers that efforts were underway to ensure timely salary payments.
He also emphasized that the exercise would not disrupt government operations.
PUMA Replaces Nike as Premier League’s Official Ball Supplier In 2025/26 Season
PUMA replaces Nike as premier league’s official ball supplier in 2025/26 season. Global sportswear brand PUMA has secured a major deal with the Premier League, becoming its Official Ball Supplier starting from the 2025/26 season.
Announced on Monday, this partnership sees PUMA take over from Nike, which has supplied match balls for the league for over two decades.
The agreement will not only place PUMA’s ball at the heart of every Premier League match but also involve collaborations on grassroots programs, high-profile marketing campaigns, and events like the Premier League Summer Series in the U.S.
PUMA CEO Arne Freundt described the deal as a significant step in the company’s efforts to elevate its brand in elite football.
“With PUMA’s ball at the center of attention during every match, we will create unforgettable moments for players and fans alike,” he said.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters welcomed the partnership, emphasizing PUMA’s strong history in football and its alignment with the league’s values.
PUMA Replaces Nike
“We are delighted to welcome PUMA as the Official Ball Supplier of the Premier League. Their global reach and commitment to excellence will help inspire fans worldwide,” Masters stated.
With this landmark deal, PUMA expands its influence in top-tier football, strengthening its presence in the world’s most-watched league.
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