CIPM Says HR Practice Without Certification Is Now Illegal in Nigeria
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has clearly stated that anyone working in Human Resource (HR) management in Nigeria without its official certification is breaking the law. This confirmation follows the rules set out in federal legislation that regulates HR practice in the country.
Speaking at the institute’s 64th Induction Ceremony in Lagos, CIPM President and Chairman, Mallam Ahmed Gobir, reminded everyone that HR is a regulated profession under the law. He explained that according to the CIPM Act (CAP I15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004), it is illegal to practise HR in Nigeria without the institute’s certification.
Gobir noted that this law applies to all sectors—public, private, and even civil society organisations. He said CIPM will continue to make sure HR practices in Nigeria follow the right professional rules and standards.
At the induction event, 1,097 new members officially joined the HR profession. These members qualified through different routes: 21 via the Executive Route, 212 through the HR Practitioners Route, and 864 as Associate Members after passing professional exams.
Gobir encouraged the new members to take their roles seriously. He told them they are not just joining a professional body but becoming leaders of change in the workplace. “You are now key players in building better workplaces, strong company cultures, and supporting business growth,” he said.
He also spoke about the global value of CIPM certification. Because of partnerships with top HR bodies in the UK and Canada, members can explore job opportunities beyond Nigeria. “Our certificates are like global passports,” Gobir said, urging members to think globally.
The keynote speaker, Leslie George, a respected HR and business expert, advised new members to lead with both empathy and strategic thinking. “HR is not just about managing people; it’s about unlocking the power in people,” he said.
CIPM added that the induction marked not just a personal achievement for members, but also highlighted the institute’s commitment to raising HR standards in Nigeria. The organisation plans to keep pushing for compliance, professionalism, and the future of human resource management in the country.
