The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has called on chief executives across the country to enforce HR compliance in their organisations by mandating that Human Resource Directors and people managers become certified members of the Institute.
Speaking at the 2025 CEO/CHRO/HRD Forum in Lagos, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of CIPM, Ms. Oluwatoyin Naiwo, FCIPM, stressed that compliance with HR regulatory standards in Nigeria is not a choice but a legal obligation that must be upheld. She encouraged CEOs to support their Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) in registering with the Institute, emphasising that it is about ensuring strategic alignment and accountability within human resource functions.
Naiwo explained that the forum, themed “Building Strategic Partnerships: The Roles of CEOs and HR in Organisations,” was designed to strengthen collaboration between executive leadership and HR professionals. She reiterated that CIPM is the only legally recognised body authorised to regulate HR practice in Nigeria, and warned that non-compliance amounts to breaking the law.
She stated that the Institute’s aim goes beyond increasing membership. It is about ensuring that organisations benefit from certified, professionally developed HR leaders who are committed to building sustainable institutions that contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development. Naiwo added that CIPM membership offers more than just certification. It provides access to ongoing professional development, structured training programmes, industry networking, and insights into emerging HR trends and strategic thought leadership.
During the event, Naiwo also announced the next CIPM Series, scheduled for Tuesday, 30 July 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The session, titled “Employee Well-being, Mental Health, and Building a Sustainable Workforce,” will feature experts discussing the global rise in employee stress and burnout and strategies for building resilience within teams. She noted that in today’s challenging economic environment, employee well-being must be a core component of business strategy.
Naiwo concluded by urging CEOs to ensure their HR teams begin the process of joining CIPM within one to two months. Representatives of the Institute were present at the forum to assist with registration and upgrading of memberships. She underscored that organisations must comply with the law and align with CIPM if they are to build effective HR systems that support long-term business success and national development.
