CIPM Urges Businesses to Prioritize Diversity and Inclusion

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Nigeria (CIPM) called on organizations to make diversity and inclusion central to their business strategies. During the 2026 CEO, CHRO, and HRD Forum, Mallam Ahm Ladan Gobir, President of CIPM, stated that organizational transformation begins with leadership decisions.

He stressed that innovation cannot thrive without a commitment to diversity and inclusion at the helm of organizations. Gobir noted that organizations with diverse leadership teams make better decisions and achieve stronger business outcomes.

He cautioned that while diversity and inclusion are desirable, they should not compromise meritocracy, which remains foundational for an inclusive workplace. Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged organizations to evaluate the tangible outcomes of their diversity commitments rather than merely having policy statements.

Mr. Sunkanmi Olasunkanmi Oyegbola, a fellow at CIPM, emphasized that businesses should focus on removing barriers to outperform competitors. Mr. Roger Philipp Adou, Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, described diversity as a business imperative that requires clear policies and accountability.