The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), which was addressed to ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies and parastatals.
According to the circular, officers currently performing human resource functions have been granted a 12-month grace period to secure approved professional certifications. Failure to do so after the deadline could make them ineligible for deployment to critical human resource positions within the Federal Civil Service.
The document explained that the measure is in line with previous government directives aimed at professionalising human resource management and establishing clear standards for officers assigned to HR duties.
It outlined human resource functions within ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies to include workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, employee records management, performance evaluation, career development, training, staff welfare, compensation, disciplinary matters, industrial relations, exit management and other responsibilities approved by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The OHCSF stated that only certifications obtained from approved professional bodies would be recognised. These include 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.
The circular also noted that additional certification bodies may be recognised in the future, subject to approval by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
“A moratorium period of 12 months from the date of this circular is granted to all affected officers to obtain approved HR certifications,” the circular stated.
The directive further allows affected officers to remain in their current positions or continue to be assigned HR-related duties during the transition period, provided they can present verifiable evidence of enrolment in a recognised certification programme and show measurable progress within six months of the issuance of the circular.
It added that after the expiration of the one-year grace period, possession of an approved HR certification would become compulsory for deployment to human resource positions in HR departments across the Federal Civil Service, the Career Management Office, Service Policies and Strategies Office, Service Welfare Office under the OHCSF, as well as the Federal Civil Service Commission.
The circular took immediate effect and instructed all ministries, departments and agencies to ensure that affected officers are adequately informed and comply with the directive.
The latest move forms part of broader civil service reforms being implemented by the Federal Government to improve efficiency, accountability and professionalism in personnel administration.
The government had earlier introduced similar policies in August 2023 and March 2024 as part of efforts to transform human resource management from a routine administrative function into a specialised profession driven by recognised qualifications, skills and competencies.
Officials believe the reforms, which align with international best practices, will improve workforce planning, talent development, performance management and succession planning across federal institutions.
The initiative is also expected to create a more competent and professional human resource workforce capable of supporting the Federal Government’s ongoing public service transformation agenda and enhancing service delivery nationwide.