Tinubu applauds CIPM’s role in workforce development as minister of labour pledges continued collaboration

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has commended the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) for its visionary role in advancing the nation’s human capital agenda, describing the Institute as a key partner in Nigeria’s journey toward building a future-ready workforce.

Declaring open the 57th International Conference and Exhibition of CIPM in Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, praised CIPM for sustaining its leadership in people management and for convening the country’s foremost experts to deliberate on the theme “Reimagining the New World of Work.”

He noted that the theme aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s demographic advantage through digital transformation and large-scale talent development. “Human capital development is central to our renewed hope agenda,” the President said.

“The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria has continued to play a pivotal role in developing the competencies needed for national productivity,” the President stated, assuring the Institute of the Federal Government’s support in strengthening Nigeria’s talent ecosystem.

In a goodwill message, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, lauded CIPM for bringing together Nigeria’s foremost HR professionals to exchange ideas and shape the future of work.

He commended Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, the President and Chairman of CIPM’s Governing Council, for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing people management across the private and public sectors.

“The theme of this conference resonates deeply with the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda, particularly in youth empowerment, enterprise development, and the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals,” the Minister said.

He further assured that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment will continue to partner with CIPM to promote excellence in human resource management, urging HR professionals to leverage insights from the conference “to develop the nation’s workforce and drive sustainable national growth.”

In his opening address, Gobir set an inspiring tone for the event. He described the conference as more than a gathering, “a movement to shape the mindset, skills, and culture of the Nigerian workforce for the new realities of work.

“The future will not reward the strongest or the smartest, but those brave enough to stay human in a digital world.” Gobir declared.

Mallam Gobir reaffirmed CIPM’s commitment to equipping professionals with the skills and values needed to navigate technological disruptions while keeping workplaces humane and inclusive. “We are at an inflection point,” he said.

“The choices we make as leaders and professionals today will determine whether Nigeria becomes a net exporter of talent and innovation, or a nation that struggles to keep up with the pace of change. CIPM is determined to ensure it is the former.”

The event also featured thought-provoking sessions from speakers. Dr. Tope Fasua examined the global economic forces shaping Africa’s workforce, urging Nigerian institutions to “embrace innovation and regional integration as the levers of competitiveness,” while Linus Okorie inspired delegates to embrace transformational leadership by “leading by example and investing in continuous learning.”

A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the official launch of the CIPM Mobile App, an innovative platform designed to enhance members’ access to professional resources, streamline conference engagement, and promote continuous learning.

The app’s launch symbolised CIPM’s drive to blend tradition with technology in its mission to build a world-class HR profession.

The opening ceremony was both inspiring and strategic, a rare alignment of policy, leadership, and vision. As the sessions continue, the resounding message from government and industry leaders remains clear: CIPM stands at the heart of Nigeria’s human capital transformation, and its collaboration with government and the private sector will be key to reimagining —and realising — the new world of work.