FG sets 12-month deadline for HR officers certification compliance

The Federal Government of Nigeria has set a one-year deadline for civil servants performing human resource functions to obtain approved professional certifications. This initiative aims to professionalize human resource management within ministries, departments, and agencies across the Federal Civil Service.

A circular from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation grants officers currently serving in HR-related roles a 12-month moratorium. During this period, they must acquire recognized certifications. Failure to do so could render them ineligible for deployment to key personnel management positions.

The directive defines HR roles broadly, encompassing workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, employee records management, performance management, career progression, training, staff welfare, compensation, discipline, and exit management. The policy outlines certification requirements, transitional arrangements, and conditions for deploying administrative cadre officers to HR roles.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation will recognize certifications from institutions such as 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. Other bodies may be recognized upon approval.

During the 12-month moratorium, officers can remain in their current positions or be deployed to HR duties if they provide verifiable evidence of enrollment and demonstrate progress toward certification within six months. After the moratorium expires, possessing an approved HR certification will be a mandatory requirement for all HR roles within the Federal Civil Service.

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A moratorium period of 12 months from the date of this circular is granted to all affected officers to obtain approved HR certifications.