Professional Practice in Failure Analysis of Engineering Components in Nigerian Manufacturing Industries

This study investigates professional practice in the failure analysis of engineering components within Nigerian manufacturing industries, examining the methodology, documentation, and corrective action cycle adopted by practitioners in sectors including automotive, food processing, and cement manufacturing. Systematic failure analysis is a core engineering function that prevents recurrence of component failures, reduces downtime, and informs material selection and design improvements, yet the formalisation of failure analysis practice in Nigeria's manufacturing sector has received limited academic attention. The study employs a qualitative multi-case methodology, with structured interviews conducted with 25 materials and mechanical engineers experienced in failure investigation at manufacturing facilities in Lagos, Ogun, and Kano States. Interview data are supplemented by review of selected failure investigation reports with company permission. The investigation assesses adherence to systematic failure analysis methodology, availability of characterisation equipment, quality of root cause identification, and implementation of corrective actions. Findings reveal that a large proportion of failure analyses in Nigerian manufacturing terminate at visual and dimensional inspection without microstructural or fractographic examination, limiting root cause accuracy. Corrective actions frequently address symptoms rather than root causes, leading to repeated failures. The study recommends the establishment of a shared national materials testing and failure analysis laboratory network to support manufacturing industries lacking in-house characterisation capability. Keywords: failure analysis, engineering components, manufacturing, professional practice, Nigeria.