Professional membership not compulsory for civil service promotion – Memo

The National Council on Establishments (NCE), representing government service heads across Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, has ruled that membership in professional organizations should not automatically be a prerequisite for civil service promotion, appointment, or career advancement. This ruling was discussed in the council's 48th meeting, held in Port Harcourt from July 20 to 24, 2026.

Chairman of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, chaired the meeting, which included Heads of Service from 30 states and the FCT, as well as permanent secretaries and senior officials from ministries, departments, and agencies. The NCE emphasized that professional membership should primarily serve the purposes of professional proficiency, ethical standards, and continuing professional development.

The council clarified that membership should not automatically determine an officer's appointment, promotion, or career progression, unless explicitly stated in the approved Schemes of Service. The decision is particularly significant, given the diverse range of professional bodies that have members working in Nigeria's public sector, such as accountants, engineers, lawyers, procurement specialists, and medical professionals.

The council's decision also acknowledges the existence of specific professional cadres within the public service, including doctors, engineers, teachers, and nurses, which undergo confirmation and promotion examinations. However, the NCE's ruling does not remove professional requirements for certain cadres or approved schemes of service; instead, it ensures that such requirements must have a formal basis in applicable service rules or the specific service scheme.

The council also highlighted the importance of professional membership and certification in maintaining professional standards, ethical conduct, and continuous learning. Additionally, the NCE recommended that any requests for new cadres or enhanced entry points should undergo proper assessment, considering their implications for the wider service, including financial and grade-relativity aspects.