Federal Government Gives HR Officers One-Year Ultimatum to Get Certified

In a bid to enhance professionalism in the Federal Civil Service, the Federal Government has issued a directive that all civil servants handling human resource functions must obtain approved professional certifications within the next 12 months. This move is part of the government's efforts to professionalise human resource management across ministries, departments, and agencies. A circular from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, addressed to all ministers, permanent secretaries, and heads of government agencies and parastatals, outlined the certification requirements, transitional arrangements, and conditions for the deployment of administrative cadre officers to human resource roles. The policy defines human resource roles as positions responsible for workforce planning, recruitment, employee records management, performance management, career progression, training, staff welfare, discipline, and other duties approved by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The circular stated that only professional HR certifications obtained from approved institutions, including the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the Society for Human Resource Management, the Human Resource Certification Institute, and Chartered Professionals in Human Resources, will be recognised. Other certification bodies may be recognised subject to approval by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. A moratorium period of 12 months has been granted to all affected officers to obtain approved HR certifications. During this transition period, officers can remain in their current positions or be deployed to HR-related duties, provided they present verifiable evidence of enrolment and demonstrate progress toward obtaining certification within six months. Upon the expiration of the moratorium, possession of an approved HR certification will become a mandatory requirement for deployment to human resource roles in HR departments across the Federal Civil Service. The directive takes immediate effect, and ministries, departments, and agencies have been directed to bring its contents to the attention of all affected staff for compliance. This initiative is part of ongoing reforms by the Federal Government to strengthen professionalism and improve efficiency in personnel administration across the public service. The reforms align with global best practices and are expected to enhance workforce planning, talent management, employee development, performance evaluation, and succession planning across federal institutions. Officials say the initiative is intended to build a more skilled and professional human resource workforce capable of supporting the Federal Government's broader civil service transformation agenda and improving service delivery to Nigerians.