The Federal Government has reaffirmed the statutory authority of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) as the foremost regulatory body for the Human Resource profession in Nigeria, following the release of a new circular on the professionalisation of Human Resources (HR) practice across the Federal Public Service.

The circular, issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) with Ref. No. HCSF/3065/Vol.1/230 and dated May 14, 2026, establishes mandatory professional certification requirements for officers occupying HR roles within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government.

According to the circular signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, the policy forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, competence, ethical standards, and service delivery within the Federal Civil Service.

The circular specifically recognises certifications obtained from the CIPM alongside a limited number of globally recognised HR professional bodies, thereby reinforcing CIPM’s position as Nigeria’s chartered and legally empowered institution for the regulation and advancement of Human Resource Management practice.

Under the new directive, officers deployed to Human Resources functions in the Federal Public Service are required to possess approved HR certifications. A twelve-month moratorium has been granted to affected officers to obtain the requisite certification, after which only certified professionals will be eligible for deployment into designated HR roles across the Service.

Speaking on the development, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Ahmed Gobir, commended the Federal Government for taking a bold and decisive step towards institutionalising professionalism within the public sector.