Cement producers have 60 days to comply with new Nigerian standards

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has issued a 60-day ultimatum requiring cement manufacturers to indicate on product bags the manufacturing and expiry dates, product application information and the products’ batch numbers in line with the new standards issued to try and prevent incidents of building collapse.

The deadline was initially 30 days, but was appealed by cement manufacturers, who said they needed more time to implement the changes in their processes.

In addition to improved labelling, the move should improve the traceability in case of a problem with the cement. The onus is on cement manufacturers to ensure that their products meet the required standards and health and safety requirements. Proper storage is also to be taken into consideration to ensure that the cement is not compromised.

Cement manufacturers are also required to pass advertising by the SON for approval prior to distribution. Director-General of SON, Dr Joseph Odumodu, has told manufacturers that they have a duty to ensure the proper communication of cement use and care. “Every sector regulator has a responsibility to make sure that products are properly regulated,” he said. “We want to collaborate with manufacturers to address this ugly trend. The blame game should stop and we should live up to our responsibilities.”

Block makers and those people selling building materials will also be subject to enhanced scrutiny.

Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/africa-middle-east/22072014/cement-producers-have-60-days-to-comply-with-new-nigerian-standards-140/