Engineering law, regulation and COREN governance in Nigeria
Engineering law, regulation and COREN governance in Nigeria
This domain tests the legal framework for engineering practice: the Engineers (Registration, etc.) Act Cap E11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and the role of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). It also tests the difference between professional society membership and statutory registration.
Core rules and concepts
- COREN is the statutory regulator. Its functions include registering engineers and engineering firms, accrediting engineering programmes, regulating practice, maintaining the register and exercising discipline.
- Registration categories and titles are defined by law. Using a reserved title or holding yourself out as a registered engineer without registration is an offence.
- Engineering firms that provide engineering services must be registered with COREN; a registered engineer’s personal registration does not automatically register the firm.
- Membership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) is a professional society matter; it is not a substitute for COREN registration.
- The Code of Conduct and disciplinary process govern competence, ethics and practice. Breaches can lead to conditions, suspension or removal from the register.
- Keep registration current and treat continuing professional development as part of fitness to practise.
Worked example
A company advertises ‘engineering design services’ and lets an unregistered graduate sign drawings as ‘Engr.’ Reasoning: two issues arise-the firm’s registration and the individual’s title and practice. The firm must regularise its registration; the graduate must not use the reserved title or sign as a registered engineer. The registered engineer supervising the work must ensure reviews are real and documented.
Traps
Equating NSE membership with a COREN licence; assuming company incorporation equals firm registration; using ‘Engr’ casually; and ignoring conditions attached to registration.