Federal Government reaffirms CIPM as Nigeria’s only Chartered HR Regulatory body
The Federal Government has reaffirmed the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) as the primary regulatory authority for the Human Resource profession in the country. This announcement follows the release of a new circular aimed at professionalizing human resource practices across the Federal Public Service.
The circular, issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and dated May 14, 2026, outlines mandatory professional certification requirements for individuals in human resource roles within federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The document is referenced as HCSF/3065/Vol.1/230.
Signed by Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service, the circular is part of broader reforms intended to enhance professionalism, competence, ethical standards, and service delivery within the Federal Civil Service.
The directive specifically acknowledges certifications from the CIPM, along with a select number of internationally recognized HR professional organizations. This recognition reinforces CIPM’s role as Nigeria’s legally empowered institution for regulating and advancing human resource management.
Under the new guidelines, personnel in human resource functions within the Federal Public Service must possess approved HR certifications. A twelve-month grace period has been provided for affected individuals to acquire the required certification, after which only certified professionals will be eligible for HR roles.
Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, expressed approval for the government’s initiative. He called the circular a significant step toward institutionalizing professionalism in the public sector. Gobir stated that this policy aligns Nigeria’s public service with global best practices in human resource management and emphasized the importance of professional certification and ethical compliance for effective workforce management.
He further clarified that while the circular acknowledges certain international certifications, CIPM remains the only body authorized by law to regulate human resource management in Nigeria. All practitioners are expected to comply with CIPM’s regulatory framework.
The new policy is expected to enhance service delivery, promote merit-based hiring, and ensure that HR roles are filled by qualified professionals equipped with the necessary knowledge and ethical grounding.
CIPM has encouraged all HR professionals, especially those in the public sector, to utilize this transition period to regularize their professional status and obtain CIPM certification. As Nigeria progresses with public sector reforms, the professionalization of HR practice is viewed as a crucial element in developing a more efficient and accountable civil service.
