The Significance of Compliance with Law(s) and Code of Ethics in Engineering Practice in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63746/njtd.v23i1.4213Keywords:
Significance of compliance, Engineering law and code, Practice in Nigeria,, Lack of awareness.Abstract
Persistent unprofessional conduct among Nigerian engineers continues to generate legal disputes between practitioners, clients, and regulatory bodies. This has resulted in severe consequences including reprimands, suspension, or erasure from the professional register. Despite a clear legal mandate compelling compliance with professional statutes and codes of ethics, the gap between regulatory requirements and actual practice remains significant. This study examines the significance of regulatory compliance in Nigerian engineering practice through doctrinal legal analysis of the core statutes governing the profession. The study analyses seven primary legal instruments constituting Nigeria's engineering regulatory framework, alongside multiple judicial decisions from Nigerian superior courts that have interpreted and applied these provisions. The study further synthesises findings from over 40 scholarly publications to contextualise compliance patterns within the broader discourse on professional ethics. The theoretical foundation relies on John Rawls' strict compliance doctrine, which demands exact adherence to legal requirements without deviation. Analysis of disciplinary proceedings reveals that registered engineers face sanctions under Section 16 of the COREN Act 2018, including erasure from the register, suspension, warning, or reprimand. Notable enforcement actions include a twelve-month suspension for unauthorised sale of construction materials and six months suspension for construction without statutory approvals. Findings indicate that while 100% of the necessary legal framework exists, compliance remains inadequate, with practitioner negligence and insufficient regulatory awareness identified as primary contributing factors. The study concludes that strict adherence to engineering laws and ethical codes is indispensable for maintaining professional integrity and ensuring public safety among Nigeria's estimated 50,000+ registered engineers. The study recommends targeted continuing professional development programmes to enhance regulatory knowledge and foster voluntary compliance.
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