The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has raised concern about the growing number of fake roofing sheets in the Nigerian market. These low-quality materials pose serious risks to life, property, and building safety.
This warning came during a recent stakeholder forum in Lagos. The event was titled “Boosting the Building Industry Value Chain with Standard Roofing Sheets.” Industry leaders, government officials, and building professionals attended.
Theresa Ojomo, Director of SON Lagos Office, explained that many local manufacturers and installers are ignoring the Nigerian Industrial Standards. She said roofing sheets must meet strict rules for thickness, strength, and chemical composition. Painted and stone-coated sheets are also expected to follow these guidelines.
Ojomo warned that without proper coating, roofing sheets break down quickly. Rain and weather exposure can lead to leaks, roof collapse, and chemical pollution. In some cases, these chemicals can get into water supplies.
SON recently destroyed a batch of imported roofing sheets that failed quality checks. These products did not meet the required thickness or chemical composition.
Cletus Igbojionu from the Association of Secondary Aluminium Producers of Nigeria also spoke at the forum. He said poor wooden support and climate change make the problem worse. He added that windy rain can expose weak roofing, no matter the thickness of the sheet.
To fix this, his group has started training carpenters and installers. They must now earn a MANCAP certificate from SON before working professionally.
Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General of SON, was represented at the event by Talatu Ethan, Director of Corporate Affairs. Ethan said SON is working with industry partners to improve product quality. She noted that roofing sheets are not just materials but the final layer of protection for any building.
Ethan warned that fake products can lead to serious harm, property damage, and loss of trust in honest manufacturers. She said SON is increasing enforcement through MANCAP and SONCAP programs. The agency is also checking ports to stop the entry of substandard imports.
SON has raided illegal warehouses and started legal action against those who break the rules. Ethan stressed that strong enforcement alone is not enough. She called for full cooperation from everyone in the industry.
Finally, SON is urging manufacturers, builders, importers, and installers to follow quality standards. Any product that fails to meet the rules will be seized or destroyed.
