CIPM Declares HR Practice Without Certification Illegal, Reaffirms Commitment to Professional Standards

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has formally reiterated that practicing human resource management in Nigeria without its certification is illegal. This reaffirmation, rooted in the provisions of the Act establishing the Institute, is a direct move to professionalize HR practice nationwide and ensure that only qualified and certified individuals are allowed to manage human capital in both private and public organizations.

The CIPM Act, CAP I15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, clearly defines the Institute’s mandate to regulate and control the practice of human resource management in Nigeria. The law grants CIPM the exclusive authority to accredit and certify individuals engaged in HR practice across sectors. Any person or organization found flouting this provision by employing uncertified HR personnel is considered to be operating outside the legal framework and is liable to sanctions.

This declaration was reiterated during the recent induction of 1,097 new members into the Institute. The induction ceremony, held in Lagos, drew participants from various sectors and walks of life who had successfully completed one of the approved entry routes into CIPM membership, including the Professional Examination Route, the HR Practitioners Route, and the Executive Route. The occasion marked a pivotal moment for the new members who are now legally and professionally recognized as HR practitioners in Nigeria.

In his keynote address at the ceremony, CIPM President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, emphasized the critical importance of certification in today’s dynamic workplace. He pointed out that HR professionals are more than just recruiters or personnel officers—they are strategic partners in business development, custodians of organizational culture, and drivers of workforce transformation.

“Being inducted into CIPM is not just a badge of honor—it is a license to operate within the boundaries of professional legality and ethical standards,” Gobir stated. “It comes with the responsibility to not only uphold excellence in people management but also ensure compliance with the laws governing our profession.”

The President went further to outline how CIPM has continued to enhance its visibility and relevance globally. Through mutual recognition agreements with other reputable global bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in the United Kingdom and the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) in Canada, Nigerian HR professionals certified by CIPM are gaining recognition and employment opportunities beyond the country’s borders. These partnerships, he noted, reinforce the value of CIPM certification and the importance of aligning HR practices with global best standards.

Mallam Gobir also noted that HR professionals must lead with integrity, innovate with purpose, and engage the workforce in a manner that drives inclusive business growth. He urged the new inductees to embrace continuous learning and adopt a mindset geared toward adaptability, as the HR function is constantly evolving in response to technology, workforce diversity, and shifting economic trends.

The legal declaration by CIPM comes at a time when the role of HR is gaining more recognition in the strategic development of organizations. However, the Institute expressed concern that many individuals continue to assume HR responsibilities without the requisite training, competence, or certification. These unqualified practitioners not only violate the law but also pose a significant risk to the organizations they serve, especially in areas related to labor law compliance, conflict resolution, organizational development, and employee engagement.

To tackle this issue, CIPM has also increased its enforcement activities and awareness campaigns. The Institute plans to collaborate more closely with regulatory bodies, government agencies, and corporate organizations to ensure that only certified professionals are allowed to practice. A key strategy in this effort is the introduction of a central register of certified HR professionals, which organizations can consult before hiring or promoting HR personnel.

Furthermore, the Institute is advocating for the inclusion of its certification requirement in recruitment guidelines for government and private sector roles related to human resources. This, according to the leadership, will serve as a deterrent to unqualified entrants and elevate the overall standard of HR practice in the country.

The Institute also emphasized the value of ethical leadership in HR management. With increasing cases of workplace harassment, poor labor practices, and discrimination, CIPM believes that certified professionals are better positioned to uphold ethical standards and build organizational cultures that foster inclusion, fairness, and productivity.

New inductees were reminded of the expectations that come with their certification. They are now legally mandated to abide by the Institute’s code of conduct, participate in ongoing professional development programs, and contribute positively to the body of knowledge and practice in the field. CIPM provides several opportunities for capacity building, including seminars, workshops, annual conferences, and online learning platforms.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed CIPM’s position, with many noting that it will go a long way in sanitizing the HR profession in Nigeria. Employers are also being encouraged to verify the credentials of HR applicants and insist on CIPM membership before assigning them HR-related responsibilities.

In conclusion, the CIPM’s firm stance on illegal HR practice is not only a matter of legality but also one of quality assurance. By insisting on certification, the Institute aims to build a corps of HR professionals who are knowledgeable, ethical, and capable of supporting organizations to achieve sustainable success through effective people management. The recent induction of nearly 1,100 professionals serves as a strong signal of CIPM’s growing influence and its readiness to elevate the HR profession in Nigeria to global standards.