The Federal Government has directed civil servants handling human resource functions across Ministries, Departments and Agencies to obtain approved professional certifications within 12 months, as part of efforts to strengthen and professionalise HR practice in the Federal Civil Service.
An exclusive circular obtained by The Punch from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on Monday indicated that officers currently occupying HR-related roles have been given a one-year transition window to secure recognised certifications. Failure to comply could make them ineligible for deployment into key personnel management positions.
Addressed to ministers, permanent secretaries, and heads of agencies and parastatals, the circular explained that the directive builds on earlier policies aimed at reforming and professionalising human resource management within the civil service.
It outlined that the policy introduces certification requirements, transitional arrangements, and conditions for assigning administrative cadre officers to HR duties across government institutions.
HR functions were broadly defined to include workforce planning and recruitment, onboarding, records and information management, performance management, career progression, training and capacity development, staff welfare and compensation, discipline, industrial relations, exit processes, and other related responsibilities as may be approved by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The OHCSF stated that only certifications issued by 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.
It also noted that additional certification bodies may be approved in the future, depending on the Head of Service’s discretion.
“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.
During the transition period, affected officers may continue in their current roles or be deployed to HR duties, provided they show proof of enrolment and demonstrate progress toward certification within six months of the circular’s issuance.
The circular further stated that once the moratorium expires, possession of an approved HR certification will become compulsory for deployment into HR positions across MDAs, including the Career Management Office, Service Policies and Strategies Office, Service Welfare Office within the OHCSF, and the Federal Civil Service Commission.
It added that the directive takes immediate effect and instructed all MDAs to ensure strict compliance by informing relevant staff.
The policy forms part of broader reforms by the Federal Government aimed at improving professionalism and efficiency in public sector personnel administration.
Earlier initiatives introduced in August 2023 and March 2024 by the OHCSF had already set the groundwork for professionalising HR practice, shifting it from a largely administrative function to a specialised discipline requiring formal qualifications.
According to officials, the reforms are aligned with global best practices and are designed to improve workforce planning, talent development, performance management, and succession planning across federal institutions, while strengthening overall service delivery in the civil service.
