The 58th International Conference and Exhibition (ICE) of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has concluded, leaving thousands of HR professionals with a renewed commitment to create measurable value and lasting impact in their organisations. The conference brought together over 4,000 physical delegates and over 1,000 virtual delegates from across Nigeria and beyond.
The conference theme, "Repositioning for Value and Impact," was reflected in the discussions and conversations that shaped the event. Delivering his closing remarks, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, reflected on the journey of the conference and its significance. He noted that while the conference sessions had come to an end, the real work was only beginning.
According to Mallam Gobir, the conference succeeded in providing delegates with more than just knowledge. He charged that the lessons learned must be translated into action, measurable value, and lasting impact. The CIPM President acknowledged the vital role delegates played in making the event a success and expressed appreciation to participants, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and partners.
Throughout the conference, delegates engaged in insightful discussions on some of the most pressing issues shaping the future of people management. These included human-centred leadership, public sector transformation, organisational performance, governance, workforce productivity, artificial intelligence, human capability, HR standards, career development, and the evolving expectations of business leaders from the HR profession.
A major highlight of the conference was the announcement of a growing international recognition of CIPM and its commitment to advancing global standards in people management. Mallam Gobir noted that the Institute continues to deepen its global footprint through mutual recognition and strategic partnerships with leading professional bodies.
The CIPM President revealed that the Third African Human Resource Summit will be held alongside the 59th International Conference and Exhibition (ICE 2027) next year. This development is expected to further strengthen collaboration among HR practitioners across the continent and consolidate Africa's voice in the global people management ecosystem.
Many delegates described the conference as one of the most impactful editions in recent years, praising the quality of the speakers, the relevance of the sessions, and the diverse networking opportunities. As delegates departed Abuja with fresh insights, new partnerships, and renewed inspiration, the closing message remained clear: the success of the conference will not be measured by the number of sessions held or contacts exchanged, but by the value created and the impact delivered in workplaces, organisations, and communities.
Key points
- CIPM ICE 2026 brought together over 5,000 delegates from across Nigeria and beyond to discuss the future of people management.
- The conference theme was "Repositioning for Value and Impact," and it featured an impressive lineup of renowned speakers and business executives.
- The Third African Human Resource Summit will be held alongside the 59th International Conference and Exhibition (ICE 2027) next year.
