The association of manufacturers of galvanized iron and steel threatens to dismiss 20,000 workers if the Nigeria Standardization Organization and other government agencies are unable to curb the import of poorly quality galvanized roofing sheets to the country. GISMA said that if problems facing steel production in the country were not resolved within 30 days, its members could be forced to unload about 20,000 workers into the labor market.
The GISMA spokeswoman, Mr. Latif Bello, in his statement, called on the SON to tighten the loop on importers of poorly-made galvanized roofing sheets in line with the government's revolution in the field of industrial roadmap.
Mr Bello said that, despite the presence of state coordinators throughout the country, it is sad that the country's nooks are flooded with poor-quality roofing sheets. He said: "We know that Nigeria's Standard Organization held a press conference last week and announced its successful withdrawal of low-quality aluminum sheets worth over N200 million from various aluminum companies in Uyo.
He added that "SON at its address also confirmed that the minimum thickness of aluminum roofing sheets is 0.4 mm. However, poor quality products with a quality of 0.25 mm were imported into Nigeria to the detriment of unsuspecting members of the public. "
Mr. Bello added that "although we pay tribute to SON for the efforts made in confiscating goods, we categorically ask for the names of those responsible for such non-patriotic acts to be made public in order to reflect transparency and accountability. We expect SON to censor some of its officials suspected of collaborating with smugglers of poor quality products through the introduction of surveillance and operational methods in their affiliates throughout the country. "
He added that "the import of poor quality products is tantamount to a war against the Federal Government". Government policy aimed at preventing the supply of prohibited articles, capable of causing damage and causing damage to citizens. "
