The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) as the primary regulatory body for HR in Nigeria after issuing a new circular on professionalizing HR across the Federal Public Service.
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) released the circular (Ref. HCSF/3065/Vol.1/230) on May 14, 2026, making approved professional HR certification compulsory for officers assigned to HR roles in Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The directive recognizes CIPM credentials along with a small number of internationally accredited HR qualifications, reinforcing CIPM’s status as the legally empowered national institution for HR regulation and development.
A 12-month grace period allows existing officers to obtain the required certification; after which only certified professionals may be deployed to HR positions. Ahmed Gobir, CIPM’s President and Governing Council Chairman, praised the federal government for taking decisive action to institutionalize professionalism, competence and ethical standards in the civil service.
