The recognition of Safety Engineering as a distinct engineering discipline by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) marks a significant milestone in the evolution of engineering practice in Nigeria.
As industries become increasingly complex, the management of process safety, fire risks, explosion hazards, emergency systems, asset integrity, and operational risk requires dedicated technical expertise and professional accountability. The formal recognition of Safety Engineering acknowledges the critical role these specialists play in protecting lives, assets, the environment, and business continuity.
This development is also aligned with the objectives of the Engineers (Registration, Etc.) Act and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010, both of which seek to strengthen professional standards, promote indigenous participation, and reduce unnecessary dependence on foreign expertise where competent Nigerian capacity exists.
Historically, highly specialized services such as fire engineering, process safety studies, quantitative risk assessments, HAZOPs, SIL assessments, and process safety management programmes have largely been dominated by international consulting firms. While these organizations have contributed significantly to industry development, there remains a strong need to build and recognize indigenous expertise in these critical disciplines.
The emergence of Safety Engineering creates a structured pathway for developing, certifying, and regulating Nigerian professionals working in fire engineering, process safety, risk management, emergency systems, and operational safety assurance. It also provides opportunities for enhanced competency development, research, innovation, and greater participation of local professionals in complex industrial projects.
As Nigeria continues to industrialize and invest in critical infrastructure, the demand for competent Safety Engineers will continue to grow. The recognition of Safety Engineering by COREN is therefore more than the creation of a new engineering category it is a strategic step toward strengthening local expertise, advancing local content, and building safer, more resilient industries.
Antonia Beri
Safety Engineer | Process Safety Specialist | Fire Engineering Consultant
Technical Director, SCSP Nigeria
