Protocol professionals demand order, discipline as key to Nigeria’s service
Newly inducted members of the Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners in Nigeria (ACPPN)
A strong call for discipline, structure, and professionalism echoed through Lagos on Saturday as protocol experts declared that Nigeria’s quest for effective service delivery and national development hinges on strict adherence to protocol systems.
At the 2026 Annual Congress of the Association of Certified Protocol Practitioners in Nigeria (ACPPN), industry leaders stressed that protocol is far more than ceremony—it is the backbone of functional governance, credible institutions, and successful diplomacy.
Speaking at the event held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, ACPPN President, Mr. Michael Ikinbor, described protocol as a critical framework that ensures systems work seamlessly, interactions remain orderly, and outcomes are achieved with clarity and purpose.
“Protocol is about enabling systems to function effectively. It cuts across public administration and corporate environments, enhancing credibility, trust, and sustainable partnerships while safeguarding national image,” he said.
The congress, themed “Protocol Practice as a Catalyst for Effective Service Delivery in Nigeria: Advancing Excellence Across Public Administration, Corporate Institutions, Diplomacy and Technology,” brought together key stakeholders across government and private sectors.
Delivering a keynote on diplomacy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), warned that even minor breaches of protocol could have far-reaching consequences on international relations.
Represented by former State Chief of Protocol, Mr. Tunde Sodipo, Nwachukwu described protocol officers as the “shock absorbers” of diplomacy, noting that a simple seating error or breach of precedence could derail months of negotiations.
“To attract global investment, Nigeria must project an environment of predictable order. Investors assess not just our laws but the efficiency of our systems,” he said, adding that excellence in protocol signals sophistication and reliability on the global stage.
He further urged practitioners to embrace technology without compromising professional integrity, noting that diplomacy now moves “at the speed of a fibre-optic cable.”
Founder of Poise Nigeria, Mrs. Mavi Isibor, delivered a blunt message on leadership accountability, insisting that those in power must respect the very systems they create.
“Power must obey protocol—arrive on time, follow due process, respect speaking order, and relinquish undue privileges. When leaders bypass systems, protocol collapses, and credibility is lost,” she said.
She warned that once leaders treat protocol as optional, it sets a precedent for widespread institutional breakdown.
Echoing similar sentiments, former Director of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Safiu Olaniyan, cautioned that without strong protocol systems, disorder becomes inevitable.
“Protocol must be knowledgeable, bold, and principled. It must be able to speak truth to power in a respectful but firm manner,” he said, stressing the need for clarity, consistency, accountability, and enforcement.
Also speaking, ECOWAS Chief Protocol Officer, Mr. Steve Onwuka, described protocol as the “glue” holding Nigeria’s complex structure together.
“In a nation of over 200 ethnic groups and multiple institutions, protocol creates coherence. When it works, meetings yield results, visits attract investment, and ceremonies inspire pride,” Onwuka said.
He emphasised that protocol management should be viewed not as a ceremonial duty, but as a critical component of service delivery infrastructure.
Participants at the congress agreed that strengthening protocol practice is essential to improving governance standards, enhancing Nigeria’s global image, and driving sustainable development.
In his remarks, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, Henry Agbebire, has urged Nigerians to adopt protocol as a culture to achieve better results.
He noted that while FAAN plays a key role in airport service delivery, effective collaboration among stakeholders is essential to improve services. FAAN also provides high-level protocol services, especially for travellers.
Agbebire explained that embedding protocol into everyday practices would enhance standards and outcomes across the system.
He added that FAAN recently introduced a culture transformation programme built on five pillars to improve time management, resource use, staff performance, and customer experience. Three of these pillars—professionalism, excellence, and effective service delivery—focus on core protocol principles and have already driven positive changes within the organisation.
He emphasised the need for stronger stakeholder synergy and support for initiatives that promote protocol as a standard practice, noting that without this cultural shift, progress will remain limited.
