Professional membership not compulsory for civil service promotion – Memo

The Nigerian public service will no longer automatically require membership in professional bodies for appointments, promotions, or career advancement. This significant ruling comes from the National Council on Establishments (NCE), which comprises Heads of Service from the Federal Government, 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory.

The decision, detailed in the minutes of the NCE's 48th meeting held in Port Harcourt, clarifies that professional membership and certification should primarily serve to ensure "professional proficiency, ethical standards and continuing professional development." The council explicitly stated that these should not automatically dictate an officer's progression, except where explicitly outlined in approved Schemes of Service.

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professional membership or certification should be recognised principally for professional proficiency, ethical standards and continuing professional development.

The meeting, chaired by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, was attended by representatives from 30 states and the FCT, along with permanent secretaries and senior government officials. This resolution holds considerable weight given the wide array of professional bodies, such as accountants, engineers, and medical professionals, whose members are integral to Nigeria's public sector.

Previously, various professional institutes regulated their fields and set standards for members. The Federal Government had also recently introduced certification requirements for human resource roles. The NCE's latest stance aims to streamline career progression, distinguishing the core purpose of professional development from automatic advancement criteria.

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should not automatically constitute a condition for appointment, promotion or career progression, except where expressly provided in the approved Schemes of Service.