Regulatory Framework and Professional Standards for Geophysical Practice in Nigeria

This study examines the regulatory framework and professional standards governing geophysical practice in Nigeria, identifying gaps and recommending improvements to professionalise the discipline and improve the quality of geophysical services. Geophysical services in Nigeria span the petroleum industry, solid minerals sector, groundwater exploration, environmental assessment, and engineering site investigation, but the regulatory and professional framework for these services is fragmented and inadequately enforced. This study uses a document analysis and key informant interview methodology to assess the regulatory landscape for geophysical practice in Nigeria. Relevant legislation, professional registration requirements, and technical practice standards are reviewed across the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, the Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria, and relevant ministry regulations for petroleum and mineral resources. Interviews with 28 practising geophysicists from academia, government agencies, and private industry supplement the documentary review. Findings reveal that geophysics is not independently regulated in Nigeria, with practitioners falling under broad engineering or geology registration categories that do not address geophysics-specific competency requirements. Technical practice standards for common survey types are absent from regulatory frameworks, resulting in highly variable service quality. Foreign geophysical consultants routinely operate in Nigeria without local content compliance verification. The study concludes that a comprehensive regulatory reform is needed and recommends the establishment of a Geophysics Practice Board under COREN with specific geophysics competency certification requirements and technical survey standards for each major application domain.

Keywords: regulatory framework, professional standards, geophysical practice, COREN, Nigeria.