The 58th International Conference and Exhibition of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has opened in Abuja, bringing together over 4,000 physical delegates and more than 1,000 virtual delegates for Africa’s largest Human Resource and people management event.
Held under the theme, ‘Repositioning for Value and Impact,’ the conference has convened business leaders, policymakers, HR practitioners, academics and development experts from across Nigeria and beyond to examine how organisations can strengthen performance, improve productivity and create measurable value in a rapidly evolving world of work.
Thousands of delegates in attendance at the Opening Ceremony of the 58th International Conference and Exhibition (CIPM ICE) of CIPM, Africa’s largest HR event, held in Abuja.
Delivering the keynote address, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, described the gathering as an important platform for addressing contemporary workplace challenges and advancing workforce development.
He commended CIPM for creating a forum that brings together practitioners, policymakers, employers, academics and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, share experiences and develop practical responses to issues shaping the world of work.
The Minister further acknowledged the Institute’s longstanding contribution to promoting ethical leadership, professional excellence and effective people management, while applauding its leadership for sustaining the conference and championing high standards of professionalism in HR practice in Nigeria.
Bode Agoro, the Head of Service of Lagos State, also commended CIPM for its role in professionalising Human Resource Management in Lagos State and across Nigeria.
Similarly, Tunji Olaopa, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, NPoM, described CIPM as a professional body that has consistently worked to raise the standards of people management while building the capacity of people managers nationwide.
He also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Institute as a reform partner in the Nigerian Civil Service.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Suleiman noted that the conference theme was highly relevant to the nation’s development aspirations, emphasising that people remain the most valuable asset of any institution. He expressed confidence that the conference would generate strategic solutions to workforce challenges and support continuous learning and career development across sectors.
In his welcome address, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, challenged HR professionals to move beyond measuring activity and focus instead on creating value and delivering impact.
He argued that organisations must increasingly assess success not by the volume of work performed, but by the difference that work makes to business performance, productivity and growth.
Mallam Gobir noted that this year’s conference builds on conversations from previous editions focused on resilience and the future of work, adding that the 2026 conference represents a call to translate ideas into outcomes and ensure that people management contributes meaningfully to organisational and national development.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria,
Justice Rakiya Bosede Haastrup, also highlighted the importance of developing people and promoting sound workplace practices, noting that such efforts are essential to national development.
She commended CIPM for convening a conference focused on strengthening the Nigerian workforce.
Representing Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun State Governor, Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, the Head of Service of Ogun State, praised CIPM’s sustained commitment to workforce development and human capital advancement, describing the conference as another important contribution to building stronger institutions and a more productive nation.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, represented by Ishiyaku Mohammed, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office, also underscored the importance of aligning people strategies with clearly defined outcomes and measurable value, while commending CIPM’s collaboration with the Federal Government in promoting professionalism within the public service.
A recurring theme across the various addresses was the recognition that human capital remains the most critical resource for achieving organisational success and national transformation.
Speakers emphasized the need for institutions to align people strategies with clearly defined outcomes and to create environments where employees can grow, innovate and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
As delegates commence discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, the conference reinforces CIPM’s position as a leading voice in the advancement of people management practice in Africa.
With its strong focus on outcomes, innovation and strategic leadership, the 58th International Conference and Exhibition sets the stage for transformative conversations that will shape the future of work, strengthen organisational performance and contribute to Nigeria’s broader development aspirations.